Built in 1909, this earth dam stands at a height of 8 feet with a length of 675 feet, providing a storage capacity of 168 acre-feet. The lake's surface area spans 17 acres and is fed by the McElmo Creek-Tr, serving the city of Cortez with a maximum discharge of 89 cubic feet per second.
Despite being categorized as having a low hazard potential, Denny Lake poses a high risk due to its age and lack of recent assessments. With a condition assessment yet to be rated, the dam's last inspection dates back to June 1979, raising concerns over its structural integrity. While the emergency action plan status and risk management measures remain unclear, enthusiasts in water resource and climate sectors can recognize the importance of regular monitoring and maintenance to safeguard this critical infrastructure in the face of evolving environmental challenges.
Year Completed |
1909 |
Dam Length |
675 |
Dam Height |
8 |
River Or Stream |
MCELMO CREEK-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
17 |
Hydraulic Height |
8 |
Nid Storage |
168 |
Structural Height |
8 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
8 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Morefield - Mesa Verde National Park
|
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Ancient Cedar
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Morefield Campground
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Mcphee
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McPhee Campground
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House Creek Campground
|