Dams in Chaffee County, Colorado
12Total Dams
4High Hazard
1Significant
Dam Safety in Chaffee County, Colorado
Chaffee County has 12 dams tracked in the National Inventory of Dams. Of these, 4 are classified as high hazard — meaning failure would probably cause loss of human life. Another 1 carry a significant hazard classification.
The average dam in Chaffee County is 76 years old. The most common purpose is recreation. The tallest dam is Clear Creek at 80 ft.
Explore more: Oldest dams in Colorado · Tallest dams · High risk dams · Largest reservoirs
Data note: Hazard potential describes the consequences if a dam failed; it does not predict the likelihood of failure. Inspection, condition, and emergency-plan fields can be incomplete or delayed. Check state dam-safety officials and local emergency managers for official guidance.
| Dam | Hazard | Condition | Height (ft) | Purpose | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clear Creek | High | Fair | 80 | Water Supply | 1910 |
| Trout Creek | High | Not Rated | 70 | Irrigation | 2001 |
| North Fork | High | Satisfactory | 35 | Recreation | 1953 |
| Boss Lake | High | Fair | 35 | Irrigation | 1894 |
| Droz Creek | Significant | Satisfactory | 34 | Fish and Wildlife Pond | 2000 |
| 3 Elk Dam | Low | Satisfactory | 38 | Irrigation | 1973 |
| Fooses | Low | Satisfactory | 33 | Hydroelectric | 1904 |
| Waupaca No. 2 Main | Low | Satisfactory | 28 | Hydroelectric | 1983 |
| Gray's Creek | Low | Fair | 28 | Recreation | 1948 |
| Rainbow Lake | Low | Satisfactory | 23 | Recreation | 1965 |
| Franz #1 | Low | Fair | 16 | Fish and Wildlife Pond | 1928 |
| Cottonwood Lake | Low | Not Rated | 8 | Recreation | 1936 |