Marston Lake - Northwest Dike Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Marston Lake - Northwest Dike in Denver, Colorado, is a key water supply infrastructure managed by a public utility agency.


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Summary

This Earth dam, completed in 1899, stands at a height of 15 feet and has a storage capacity of 21,100 acre-feet. The dam serves the primary purpose of water supply, drawing water from the South Platte River-OS to provide for the region's needs.

With a surface area of 652 acres and a drainage area of 1 square mile, Marston Lake plays a significant role in water resource management in the area. The dam has a spillway width of 20 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 220 cubic feet per second. Despite being assessed as in fair condition, the dam is classified as having a high hazard potential, underscoring the importance of regular inspections and risk management measures.

Maintaining the dam's integrity is crucial to safeguarding the surrounding community against potential risks. The dam has been regulated by the state and undergoes regular inspections, with the last assessment taking place in September 2020. With its historical significance and ongoing importance for water supply, Marston Lake - Northwest Dike stands as a key asset in Colorado's water resource infrastructure.

Year Completed

1899

Dam Length

4375

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

SOUTH PLATTE RIVER-OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

652

Hydraulic Height

15

Drainage Area

1

Nid Storage

21100

Structural Height

18

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

18
       
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.