Kettle Creek Diversion Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Kettle Creek Diversion Dam, located in Colorado Springs, serves as a critical flood risk reduction infrastructure along the Kettle Creek river.


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Summary

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
       
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.