Marston Lake - West Dike Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Marston Lake - West Dike is a vital water resource structure owned by a public utility in Jefferson County, Colorado.


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Summary

Completed in 1899, this earth dam stands at a height of 11 feet and serves the primary purpose of water supply. With a storage capacity of 21,100 acre-feet and a surface area of 652 acres, Marston Lake plays a crucial role in water management for the surrounding area.

Situated along the South Platte River, Marston Lake - West Dike has a low hazard potential and is not currently rated for its condition. Despite being inspected in 1996, the dam is still in operation and meets regulatory requirements for state permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The spillway, with a width of 20 feet, is uncontrolled, and the dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 220 cubic feet per second. Overall, Marston Lake - West Dike presents a moderate risk level (3) and is an essential component of the region's water infrastructure.

As a key element in the water supply system for Denver, Marston Lake - West Dike plays a critical role in storing and managing water resources for the area. With its historical significance dating back over a century, this earth dam continues to provide essential services while meeting state regulations and safety standards. Climate and water resource enthusiasts can appreciate the engineering and environmental considerations that go into maintaining structures like Marston Lake - West Dike for the benefit of the community and the ecosystem.

Year Completed

1899

Dam Length

6875

Dam Height

11

River Or Stream

SOUTH PLATTE RIVER-OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

652

Hydraulic Height

11

Drainage Area

1

Nid Storage

21100

Structural Height

11

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

11
       
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.