Kossler
Kossler is an earth dam located in Boulder County, Colorado, built in 1909. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Kossler
The primary purpose of Kossler is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. The dam is owned by City Of Boulder (clark, Kevin) (local government). It impounds the Woods Gulch near Eldorado Springs.
The dam stands 20 feet tall and stretches 450 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 13 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 220 acre-feet. Completed in 1909, the structure is over a century old.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 04/13/2022.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Colorado dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Colorado |
| County | Boulder |
| Nearest City | Eldorado Springs |
| River/Stream | Woods Gulch |
| Coordinates | 39.97773, -105.33058 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 20 ft |
| Dam Height | 20 ft |
| Dam Length | 450 ft |
| Year Completed | 1909 (117 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 220 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 220 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 180 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 13 acres |
| Max Discharge | 300 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | CITY OF BOULDER (CLARK, KEVIN) |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 04/13/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CO00231 |
| Federal ID | CO00231 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |