Exposition Park Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Exposition Park in Aurora, Colorado, is a local government-owned facility designed by CH2M-HILL for flood risk reduction along Westerly Creek.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Completed in 2002, this earth dam stands at 19 feet high and spans a length of 4290 feet, with a maximum storage capacity of 293 acre-feet. With a spillway width of 3197 feet and a maximum discharge of 13239 cubic feet per second, Exposition Park plays a crucial role in managing water flow during periods of high precipitation.

The dam at Exposition Park has a high hazard potential, yet its condition assessment remains satisfactory as of January 2019. Inspected every three years, this structure meets state regulatory standards and is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway to release excess water safely. Despite its moderate risk level, the park does not have an Emergency Action Plan prepared, raising concerns about its emergency response readiness. As a vital component of the flood risk reduction system in the area, Exposition Park serves as a critical tool in safeguarding the surrounding community from potential water-related disasters.

Year Completed

2002

Dam Length

4290

Dam Height

19

River Or Stream

WESTERLY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3

Hydraulic Height

18

Drainage Area

5

Nid Storage

293

Structural Height

19

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

19
       
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.