Chapman Reservoir
Chapman Reservoir is a concrete dam located in Pitkin County, Colorado, built in 1938. It carries a High hazard potential classification.
About Chapman Reservoir
The primary purpose of Chapman Reservoir is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Usda Fs (federal). It impounds the Frying Pan Ditch Diversion near Norrie.
The dam stands 43 feet tall and stretches 160 feet across, has a maximum storage capacity of 190 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 3 square miles. Completed in 1938, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.
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 11/19/2020.
At 43 feet, this dam is taller than 89% of dams nationwide.
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 | Pitkin |
| Nearest City | Norrie |
| River/Stream | Frying Pan Ditch Diversion |
| Coordinates | 39.31644, -106.64069 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| NID Height | 43 ft |
| Dam Height | 38 ft |
| Dam Length | 160 ft |
| Year Completed | 1938 (88 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 190 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 190 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 120 acre-ft |
| Drainage Area | 3 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 376 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | USDA FS |
| Owner Type | Federal |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Not Rated |
| Last Inspection | 11/19/2020 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CO00676 |
| Federal ID | CO00676 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |