Fishers Canyon Debris Basin Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Fishers Canyon Debris Basin Dam, located in Colorado Springs, is a rockfill dam designed by CN Hatton and URSG Woodward Clyde to reduce flood risk in the Fishers Canyon Channel.


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Summary

Completed in 1999, this privately owned dam stands at a height of 26 feet with a hydraulic height of 36 feet and a structural height of 42 feet. The primary purpose of the dam is flood risk reduction, with additional functions including debris control.

With a storage capacity of 28 acre-feet, the Fishers Canyon Debris Basin Dam has a spillway width of 150 feet and a maximum discharge of 7370 cubic feet per second. Despite being assessed as in fair condition during the last inspection in September 2020, the dam has a high hazard potential. While the risk assessment is moderate, measures for risk management and emergency preparedness are not clearly outlined. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the importance of maintaining and regulating structures like the Fishers Canyon Debris Basin Dam is crucial for effective flood control and water resource management in the region.

Year Completed

1999

Dam Length

560

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

FISHERS CANYON CHANNEL

Primary Dam Type

Rockfill

Surface Area

1

Hydraulic Height

36

Nid Storage

28

Structural Height

42

Outlet Gates

Needle - 0

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

42
       
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.