Skeel

About Skeel

The primary purpose of Skeel is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by City And County Of Denver Parks And Recreation (sm (local government). It impounds the South Platte River-os near Denver.

The dam stands 40 feet tall and stretches 1,150 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 15 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 220 acre-feet. Completed in 1900, 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 unsatisfactory, indicating serious safety deficiencies exist that require immediate attention or remedial action. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 11/18/2022.

At 40 feet, this dam is taller than 87% 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.