Altura Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Altura, also known as Duck Lake, is a private dam located in Grant, Colorado, within Clear Creek County.


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Summary

Built in 1904, this Earth-type dam serves primarily for irrigation purposes along Duck Creek. With a height of 21 feet and a length of 270 feet, Altura has a storage capacity of 895 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 610 acre-feet across its 47-acre surface area.

Managed by the Colorado Division of Water Resources, Altura is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state agencies to ensure its safety and functionality. Despite being categorized as having a low hazard potential, the dam is rated in satisfactory condition with a moderate risk assessment. The spillway at Altura is uncontrolled with a width of 17 feet, allowing for a maximum discharge of 124 cubic feet per second.

Altura stands as a testament to early 20th-century water management in Colorado, providing crucial irrigation support while maintaining a safe and reliable water resource for the surrounding area. Its historical significance, combined with its continued operational effectiveness, underscores the importance of responsible dam management in the face of evolving climate challenges.

Year Completed

1904

Dam Length

270

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

DUCK CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

47

Hydraulic Height

21

Drainage Area

3

Nid Storage

895

Structural Height

24

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

24
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.