Highline Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 4, 2025

Highline, also known as Mesa Recovery Basin, is a local government-owned water supply structure located in El Paso County, Colorado.


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Summary

Completed in 1938, this earth dam stands at a height of 38 feet and has a storage capacity of 91 acre-feet, serving the primary purpose of water supply for the area. The dam, situated on Monument Creek-TR, has a spillway type of uncontrolled and an outlet gate valve for water release.

With a high hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment as of September 2020, Highline is regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place. The dam has a moderate risk assessment rating and is located in close proximity to Colorado Springs, providing essential water resources to the region. As a critical infrastructure for water management, Highline plays a crucial role in ensuring a reliable water supply for the community and mitigating the impacts of climate change on water resources in the area.

Year Completed

1938

Dam Length

750

Dam Height

38

River Or Stream

MONUMENT CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4

Hydraulic Height

38

Nid Storage

91

Structural Height

38

Outlet Gates

Valve

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

38
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.