Carmody Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Carmody, also known as Kendrick Lake #1 or Cottonwood Lake, is a recreational dam located in Jefferson County, Colorado.


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Summary

Built in 1974, this earth-type dam stands at a height of 8 feet and has a length of 768 feet. With a storage capacity of 82 acre-feet, Carmody primarily serves the purpose of recreation and is situated along the Sanderson Gulch-OS stream.

Managed by local government authorities and regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, Carmody is inspected biennially to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Despite being classified as having a significant hazard potential, the dam's condition is reported as satisfactory as of the last assessment in April 2020. In the event of an emergency, there are protocols in place to manage risks and mitigate potential threats to the surrounding area.

With a spillway width of 60 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 475 cubic feet per second, Carmody plays a crucial role in maintaining water resources and managing flood control in the region. As a focal point for outdoor activities and a vital component of the local ecosystem, this dam serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainable water management practices in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1974

Dam Length

768

Dam Height

8

River Or Stream

SANDERSON GULCH-OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Hydraulic Height

8

Nid Storage

82

Structural Height

8

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

8
       
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.