Southshore Senac Creek 1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Southshore Senac Creek 1 is a crucial flood risk reduction structure located in Aurora, Colorado.


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Summary

Completed in 2005, this earth dam stands at a height of 32 feet and has a hydraulic height of 28 feet, offering protection to the surrounding area from potential flooding events. With a storage capacity of 57 acre-feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 2092 cubic feet per second, this dam plays a vital role in managing water flow in Senac Creek.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, Southshore Senac Creek 1 has a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition assessment since the last inspection in July 2005. The dam's primary purpose is flood risk reduction, with a spillway width of 11 feet to manage excess water during heavy rainfall. Despite its moderate risk assessment rating, the dam remains a critical infrastructure for protecting the residents and properties in Arapahoe County from potential flooding disasters.

With its strategic location and design by MARTIN/MARTIN INC., Southshore Senac Creek 1 exemplifies the importance of effective water resource management and climate adaptation strategies. As climate change continues to impact weather patterns and increase the frequency of extreme weather events, structures like this earth dam are essential for safeguarding communities and ecosystems against the threats of flooding and water scarcity.

Year Completed

2005

Dam Length

400

Dam Height

32

River Or Stream

SENAC CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4

Hydraulic Height

28

Drainage Area

1

Nid Storage

57

Structural Height

40

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

40
       
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.