Keeler
Keeler is an earth dam located in La Plata County, Colorado, built in 1945. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Keeler
The primary purpose of Keeler is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by English, Patrick (private). It impounds the Elbert Creek near Durango.
The dam stands 50 feet tall and stretches 470 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 28 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 670 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 13 square miles. Completed in 1945, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. Its condition is rated fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 11/29/2021.
At 50 feet, this dam is taller than 93% of dams nationwide.
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Location
| State | Colorado |
| County | La Plata |
| Nearest City | Durango |
| River/Stream | Elbert Creek |
| Coordinates | 37.48241, -107.80700 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 50 ft |
| Dam Height | 43 ft |
| Dam Length | 470 ft |
| Year Completed | 1945 (81 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 670 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 670 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 488 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 28 acres |
| Drainage Area | 13 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 872 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | ENGLISH, PATRICK |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 11/29/2021 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CO00896 |
| Federal ID | CO00896 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |