The Kettle Creek Diversion Dam, located in Colorado Springs, serves as a critical flood risk reduction infrastructure along the Kettle Creek river.
Wind
Humidity
Designed by SKIDMORE, OWINGS, AND MERRILL and completed in 1961, this Earth dam stands at a towering height of 80 feet with a hydraulic height of 77 feet. With a storage capacity of 2700 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 2750 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.
Owned and funded by the US Air Force, the Kettle Creek Diversion Dam is regulated and inspected by the same agency to ensure its structural integrity and operational readiness. The dam's spillway, with a width of 150 feet, is uncontrolled, adding to its high hazard potential. Although its condition assessment is listed as "Not Available," the dam meets regulatory guidelines and is equipped to handle emergency situations, as evidenced by the Emergency Action Plan last revised in March 2021.
Despite its moderate risk assessment rating, the Kettle Creek Diversion Dam stands as a testament to effective flood risk reduction measures in Colorado. With its strategic location and vital role in water resource management, this dam remains a key asset in safeguarding the surrounding communities and ecosystems from the impacts of extreme weather events and flooding.
Year Completed |
1961 |
Dam Length |
1300 |
Dam Height |
80 |
River Or Stream |
KETTLE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
57 |
Hydraulic Height |
77 |
Drainage Area |
16.5 |
Nid Storage |
2700 |
Outlet Gates |
None, Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
80 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Peregrine Pines Family Camp
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Peregrine Pines Military - USAF Academy
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Thunder Ridge
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Thunder Ridge Campground
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Meadow Ridge
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