Ken Caryl Detention #2 dam
Ken Caryl Detention #2
Ken Caryl Detention #2, a privately owned flood risk reduction structure located in Littleton, Colorado, stands as a vital component in the protection of the surrounding community from potential water-related hazards. Completed in 1984, this Earth-type dam boasts a height of 23 feet and a length of 1070 feet, with a maximum storage capacity of 60 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, Ken Caryl Detention #2 plays a crucial role in managing the flow of the Massey Draw-OS stream and ensuring the safety of residents in Jefferson County.
Managed by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, this dam is subject to regular inspections, with the last assessment conducted in May 2015. Despite its moderate risk assessment, the structure is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates to manage potential overflow and maintain optimal water levels. With a maximum discharge capacity of 1400 cubic feet per second, Ken Caryl Detention #2 is well-prepared to handle varying water flow conditions and mitigate the risk of flooding in the region.
In the event of an emergency, the dam's emergency action plan (EAP) status is currently unreported, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and preparedness efforts. As a key element in the flood risk reduction strategy for the area, Ken Caryl Detention #2 serves as a critical infrastructure asset that safeguards the community against the impacts of extreme weather events and changing climate patterns.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Ken Caryl Detention #2 -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Bear Creek Above Bear Creek Lake Near Morrison | 4 cfs | → |
| Bear Creek At Morrison | 15 cfs | → |
| South Platte River At Waterton | 35 cfs | → |
| Bear Creek At Mouth | 15 cfs | → |
| South Platte River Below Union Ave | 15 cfs | → |
| Plum Creek At Titan Rd Nr Louviers | 7 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Ken Caryl Detention #2.
Boat launches
- C-470 Trail Lakewood
- Chatfield Lake North Boat Ramp
- Fisherman's Trail Lakewood
- West Quincy Avenue Denver
- Fairway Drive Evergreen
- Ralston Creek Trail Arvada
Campgrounds
- Bear Creek Lake Park
- Chatfield State Park
- Idylease Campground
- Clear Creek Rv Park
- Gennessee Ropes Camp Spot
- Indian Creek
Fishing spots
Track Ken Caryl Detention #2 in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Ken Caryl Detention #2
Where does the data for Ken Caryl Detention #2 come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Ken Caryl Detention #2.