Sand Creek Detention Basin No. 2 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Sand Creek Detention Basin No.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

2, located in Colorado Springs, is a vital flood risk reduction infrastructure that plays a crucial role in protecting the area from potential flooding along the Sand Creek. Constructed in 2009, this earth dam stands at 21 feet in height and spans 920 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 144 acre-feet. Designed by Richard Wray of Kiowa Engineering Corporation, this basin is regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and effectiveness in managing floodwaters.

With a hazard potential rated as low and a satisfactory condition assessment, Sand Creek Detention Basin No. 2 serves as a reliable flood control measure for the community. The uncontrolled spillway, with a width of 140 feet, helps manage maximum discharges of up to 25,500 cubic feet per second during heavy rainfall events. Despite its moderate risk rating, this detention basin operates efficiently to mitigate flood risks and protect the surrounding area from potential inundation, demonstrating its importance in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in El Paso County.

Managed by the local government, this detention basin reflects a collaborative effort to address flood risks and enhance community safety. As a key component of flood risk reduction infrastructure in the region, Sand Creek Detention Basin No. 2 stands as a testament to proactive measures taken to safeguard against the impacts of extreme weather events and ensure the sustainable management of water resources in the face of a changing climate.

Year Completed

2009

Dam Length

920

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

SAND CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

17

Hydraulic Height

13

Drainage Area

12

Nid Storage

144

Structural Height

21

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 0

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

21
       
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.