Lake Capote
Lake Capote is an earth dam located in Archuleta County, Colorado, built in 1948. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Lake Capote
The primary purpose of Lake Capote is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Bia (federal). It impounds the Stollsteimer Creek near Blanco.
The dam stands 39 feet tall and stretches 1,160 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 38 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 700 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 92 square miles. Completed in 1948, 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. 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 08/03/2022.
At 39 feet, this dam is taller than 86% 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 | Archuleta |
| Nearest City | Blanco |
| River/Stream | Stollsteimer Creek |
| Coordinates | 37.19860, -107.26080 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 39 ft |
| Dam Height | 24 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,160 ft |
| Year Completed | 1948 (78 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 700 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 700 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 296 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 38 acres |
| Drainage Area | 92 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 16,275 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | BIA |
| Owner Type | Federal |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 08/03/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CO01095 |
| Federal ID | CO01095 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |