6th Avenue W. Pond #3 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

6th Avenue W.


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Summary

Pond #3, located in Lakewood, Colorado, was designed by Emmett Lane and completed in 1974 for the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Lakewood Gulch-TR river or stream. This earth dam structure stands at 37 feet high with a hydraulic height of 23 feet and a length of 150 feet, providing a storage capacity of 18 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2016 was deemed unsatisfactory, highlighting the need for maintenance and inspection to ensure its continued effectiveness in flood control.

Managed by local government authorities and regulated by the Colorado Division of Water Resources, 6th Avenue W. Pond #3 undergoes regular inspections every three years to monitor its structural integrity and safety. The dam's maximum discharge capacity reaches 315 cubic feet per second, with no spillway in place for overflow management. Even though the risk assessment categorizes the site as high risk, measures for risk management and emergency action planning have not been fully implemented, raising concerns for potential inundation and the need for updated safety protocols.

As a crucial infrastructure for flood mitigation in the area, 6th Avenue W. Pond #3 serves as a vital component in safeguarding the surrounding community from water-related disasters. With its strategic location and purposeful design, this earth dam plays a significant role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts, emphasizing the importance of proactive maintenance and risk mitigation strategies to ensure its long-term functionality and safety for the residents of Lakewood.

Year Completed

1974

Dam Length

150

Dam Height

29

River Or Stream

LAKEWOOD GULCH-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1

Hydraulic Height

23

Nid Storage

18

Structural Height

37

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

37
       
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.