East Lake #2, located in Thornton, Colorado, is a significant Earth dam completed in 1889 for flood risk reduction along Brantner Gulch-TR.
Wind
Humidity
With a height of 12 feet and a length of 1400 feet, this dam provides a normal storage capacity of 94 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 176 acre-feet. The dam's hazard potential is rated as significant, but its condition assessment as of October 2018 was deemed satisfactory.
Managed by the local government, East Lake #2 is under state jurisdiction and regulation, with permitting, inspection, and enforcement responsibilities falling under the Colorado Division of Water Resources (DWR). The dam has no spillway and features uncontrolled outlet gates. Despite its high risk assessment, the dam has not been modified in recent years and its Emergency Action Plan (EAP) status is unclear, with the last revision dating back to 2007.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, East Lake #2 presents an intriguing case study in dam infrastructure and risk management. Its historical significance, location in a populated area, and the potential implications of its high-risk rating highlight the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and resilience of critical water resources in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1889 |
Dam Length |
1400 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
BRANTNER GULCH-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
24 |
Hydraulic Height |
12 |
Nid Storage |
176 |
Structural Height |
12 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled - 0 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
12 |