Bear Creek No. 4 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bear Creek No.


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Summary

4 is a private dam located in Jefferson County, Colorado, specifically in the city of Lakewood. Completed in 1984, this earth dam stands at 20 feet high and spans a length of 403 feet, providing a storage capacity of 24 acre-feet for recreational purposes. The dam's hydraulic height is 11 feet, with a structural height of 25 feet, and is regulated by the Colorado Division of Water Resources.

With a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Bear Creek No. 4 poses a moderate risk level according to the data. The dam has a maximum discharge of 695 cubic feet per second and features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 36 feet. Regular inspections are conducted, with the last one taking place in December 2018 and an inspection frequency of 6 years, ensuring the safety and integrity of the structure.

This dam serves as a vital resource for the surrounding community, offering not only recreational opportunities but also contributing to the overall water resource management in the area. As enthusiasts of water resources and climate, understanding the design, purpose, and condition of structures like Bear Creek No. 4 is crucial in ensuring the sustainability and resilience of our water infrastructure in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1984

Dam Length

403

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

BEAR CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1

Hydraulic Height

11

Drainage Area

1

Nid Storage

24

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.