Chase Gulch Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Chase Gulch is a rockfill dam located in Gilpin County, Colorado, specifically in the city of Black Hawk.


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Summary

Completed in 1996, this structure serves as a water supply primarily for the local government. With a dam height of 93 feet and a hydraulic height of 75 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 1250 acre-feet and a normal storage of 602 acre-feet. The reservoir covers a surface area of 25 acres and has a maximum discharge capacity of 8664 cubic feet per second.

Managed by the Colorado Department of Water Resources (DWR), Chase Gulch Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 32 feet and is equipped with slide gates for outlet control. Despite being classified with a high hazard potential, the dam is currently in satisfactory condition according to the most recent assessment conducted in August 2020. Overall, Chase Gulch presents an interesting case study for water resource and climate enthusiasts due to its design, purpose, and management under state jurisdiction.

Year Completed

1996

Dam Length

589

Dam Height

93

River Or Stream

CHASE GULCH

Primary Dam Type

Rockfill

Surface Area

25

Hydraulic Height

75

Drainage Area

2

Nid Storage

1250

Structural Height

100

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate)

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

100
       
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.
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Area Campgrounds