W. Cherry Creek Det. #10 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

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Summary

Cherry Creek Det. #10, located in Franktown, Colorado, is a local government-owned dam designed by the USDA NRCS. Completed in 1961, this earth dam stands at a height of 23 feet and spans a length of 926 feet along the West Cherry Creek-TR. Its primary purpose is flood risk reduction, with a storage capacity of 45 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 2168 cubic feet per second.

With a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment as of July 2017, W. Cherry Creek Det. #10 is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the Colorado Division of Water Resources. While the dam has not been modified in recent years and lacks certain features like a spillway, it meets the necessary guidelines for emergency action plans and inundation maps. Despite its high risk assessment level, appropriate risk management measures are in place to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure.

Overall, W. Cherry Creek Det. #10 serves as a vital component in the flood risk reduction efforts in Douglas County, Colorado. Its strategic location and design, overseen by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, highlight the importance of water resource management and climate resilience in the region. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate change will find this dam to be a fascinating example of infrastructure that plays a crucial role in protecting communities from potential flooding events.

Year Completed

1961

Dam Length

926

Dam Height

23

River Or Stream

WEST CHERRY CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6

Hydraulic Height

23

Nid Storage

45

Structural Height

25

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

25
       
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.