Ramsey dam
Ramsey
Ramsey, a privately owned earth dam located in Elbert, Colorado, serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the E Bijou Creek. Completed in 1970, this structure stands at a height of 24 feet and spans 540 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 354 acre-feet. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Ramsey's condition assessment in 2012 was deemed fair, highlighting the importance of regular inspections and maintenance to ensure its effectiveness in flood control.
Managed by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, Ramsey is subject to state regulations and inspections to uphold safety standards. Its spillway, characterized as uncontrolled, has a width of 201 feet to manage potential overflow. With a moderate risk assessment score of 3, there is a need for ongoing risk management measures to address any potential vulnerabilities and ensure the dam's ability to withstand extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change. As part of its flood risk reduction strategy, Ramsey plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from inundation and minimizing the impact of high discharge flows.
In the event of an emergency, it is essential for stakeholders to have an updated Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place, including contact information and evacuation procedures. While Ramsey's risk profile is considered moderate, proactive measures such as regular inspections, maintenance, and adherence to guidelines can help mitigate potential risks and ensure the long-term resilience of this vital water resource infrastructure.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Ramsey -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Cherry Creek Near Franktown | 3 cfs | → |
| Cottonwood Creek At Woodmen Rd Nr Colo Springs | 1 cfs | → |
| Pine Creek Abv Briargate Pkwy | 3 cfs | → |
| Cottonwood Ck At Union Blvd | 2 cfs | → |
| Monument C Ab N.Gate Blvd At Usaf Academy | 7 cfs | → |
| Monument Creek At Palmer Lake | 1 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Ramsey.
Track Ramsey in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Ramsey
Where does the data for Ramsey come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Ramsey.