Mt. Elbert Forebay Dam
Mt. Elbert Forebay Dam is an earth dam located in Lake County, Colorado, built in 1981. It carries a High hazard potential classification.
About Mt. Elbert Forebay Dam
The primary purpose of Mt. Elbert Forebay Dam 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 Bureau Of Reclamation (federal). It impounds the Box Creek Tr near Kobe.
The dam stands 94 feet tall and stretches 2,600 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 384 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 11,420 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1981, the structure is 45 years 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. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 07/12/2022.
At 94 feet, this dam is taller than 98% of all dams in the United States.
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 | Lake |
| Nearest City | Kobe |
| River/Stream | Box Creek Tr |
| Coordinates | 39.11190, -106.35620 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 94 ft |
| Dam Height | 94 ft |
| Dam Length | 2,600 ft |
| Year Completed | 1981 (45 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 11,420 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 11,420 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 11,143 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 384 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Spillway Type | None |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | BUREAU OF RECLAMATION |
| Owner Type | Federal |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Not Available |
| Last Inspection | 07/12/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CO00446 |
| Federal ID | CO00446 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |