Bristlecone Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 4, 2025

Bristlecone, a privately owned dam located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, stands as a testament to the engineering prowess of Woodward-Clyde, with a construction year dating back to 1986.


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Summary

This earth dam, primarily used for recreation, boasts a height of 72 feet and a hydraulic height of 70 feet, providing a storage capacity of 2923 acre-feet. The dam, situated on Beaver Creek, covers a surface area of 65 acres and has a maximum discharge capacity of 113,000 cubic feet per second.

Despite its satisfactory condition assessment, Bristlecone poses a significant hazard potential, prompting regular inspections every two years. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 566 feet and utilizes slide gates as outlet structures. In the event of an emergency, the dam does not have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) prepared, raising concerns about its risk management and emergency response capabilities. With a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, authorities will need to address potential vulnerabilities and ensure the safety of downstream communities.

Year Completed

1986

Dam Length

1500

Dam Height

72

River Or Stream

BEAVER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

65

Hydraulic Height

70

Drainage Area

20

Nid Storage

2923

Structural Height

88

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate)

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

88
       
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.