Leyden
Leyden is an earth dam located in Jefferson County, Colorado, built in 1902. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Leyden
The primary purpose of Leyden is flood risk reduction. The dam is designed to control downstream flooding by temporarily storing excess water during storms and releasing it at a controlled rate. It impounds the Leyden Creek near Arvada.
The dam stands 47 feet tall and stretches 1,545 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 19 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 1,300 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 9 square miles. Completed in 1902, 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 02/18/2020.
At 47 feet, this dam is taller than 92% 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 | Jefferson |
| Nearest City | Arvada |
| River/Stream | Leyden Creek |
| Coordinates | 39.83834, -105.17057 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 47 ft |
| Dam Height | 37 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,545 ft |
| Year Completed | 1902 (124 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 1,300 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 1,300 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 90 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 19 acres |
| Drainage Area | 9 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 35,170 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Flood Risk Reduction |
| Owner Type | Not Listed |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 02/18/2020 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CO01216 |
| Federal ID | CO01216 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |