Lake Of The Pines Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake of The Pines, located in La Plata, Colorado, is a privately owned earth dam built in 1920 for water supply purposes.


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Summary

With a capacity of 105 acre-feet, this reservoir on Little Cascade Creek boasts a surface area of 13 acres and a dam height of 11 feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam has not been rated for its condition since its last inspection in 1986.

Although deemed as low risk, Lake of The Pines has a high hazard potential according to risk assessment data. The dam lacks an emergency action plan and updated inundation maps, raising concerns for potential emergencies. The reservoir's spillway type is listed as "none," suggesting limited capacity for managing excess water during heavy precipitation events. With a risk management plan yet to be detailed, enthusiasts of water resources and climate may find interest in further studies on the safety and sustainability of this aging structure.

Year Completed

1920

Dam Length

200

Dam Height

11

River Or Stream

LITTLE CASCADE CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

13

Hydraulic Height

11

Nid Storage

105

Structural Height

11

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

11
       
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.