Mason Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 4, 2025

Located in Teller County, Colorado, the Mason dam, also known as Colorado Springs #4 or South Slope #4, is a crucial water supply infrastructure designed by BLACK AND VEATCH and completed in 1903.


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Summary

This earth dam on Boehmer Creek stands at a height of 50 feet and serves multiple purposes including water supply and creating a habitat for fish and wildlife. With a storage capacity of 3795 acre-feet and a normal storage of 1965 acre-feet, the dam covers a surface area of 109 acres and drains a 6-square mile watershed.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the Department of Water Resources, the Mason dam has a high hazard potential but is currently assessed as being in satisfactory condition. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 42 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 6235 cubic feet per second. Despite its age, the dam undergoes regular inspections, with the last one conducted in July 2020, to ensure its stability and safety for the surrounding community. Furthermore, the dam's risk assessment is classified as moderate, highlighting the importance of ongoing risk management measures to protect downstream areas in case of emergencies.

Year Completed

1903

Dam Length

1425

Dam Height

50

River Or Stream

BOEHMER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

109

Hydraulic Height

34

Drainage Area

6

Nid Storage

3795

Structural Height

73

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

73
       
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.