Lake Or Reservoir Water Surface Elevation Above Ngvd 1929, Ft 24hr Change | None% |
Percent of Normal | None% |
Minimum |
5,454.5 ft
2009-11-20 |
Maximum |
5,478.51 ft
2015-05-21 |
Average | 5,457 ft |
Dam_Height | 85 |
Hydraulic_Height | 85 |
Drainage_Area | 78 |
Year_Completed | 1908 |
Nid_Storage | 5530 |
Structural_Height | 85 |
River_Or_Stream | Turkey Creek |
Foundations | Unlisted/Unknown |
Surface_Area | 183 |
Hazard_Potential | High |
Dam_Length | 650 |
Primary_Dam_Type | Earth |
Nid_Height | 85 |
Teller is a Federal-owned dam located in Pueblo, Colorado, along the Turkey Creek. Completed in 1908, this Earth-type structure stands at a height of 85 feet and has a length of 650 feet, providing a reservoir with a normal storage capacity of 78 acre-feet. The dam serves multiple purposes, including fire protection, stock, flood risk reduction, and recreation, making it a vital asset for the surrounding community.
Managed by the US Army, Teller Dam has a high hazard potential and is regulated by the Department of Water Resources (DWR) in Colorado. Despite its age, the dam is regularly inspected every four years to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam's spillway, with a width of 70 feet, is uncontrolled, and it has a maximum discharge capacity of 85,000 cubic feet per second, further highlighting the importance of proper maintenance and oversight for this critical water resource.
With its rich history and significant impact on water management in the region, Teller Dam stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water resource management and the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to mitigate potential risks and ensure the safety of surrounding communities and ecosystems. Climate and water resource enthusiasts will find Teller Dam to be a fascinating example of how human engineering can both harness and protect vital water resources in a changing climate landscape.