Willow Springs #1
Willow Springs #1 is an earth dam located in Jefferson County, Colorado, built in 1963. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Willow Springs #1
The primary purpose of Willow Springs #1 is water supply. The dam stores water for municipal, industrial, or agricultural use, helping ensure a reliable supply for the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Red Rocks Country Club (aaron Smith) (private). It impounds the Turkey Creek-os near Lakewood.
The dam stands 31 feet tall and stretches 1,600 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 8 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 140 acre-feet. Completed in 1963, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years 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 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 11/09/2022.
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 | Lakewood |
| River/Stream | Turkey Creek-os |
| Coordinates | 39.61914, -105.18050 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 31 ft |
| Dam Height | 23 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,600 ft |
| Year Completed | 1963 (63 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 140 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 140 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 108 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 8 acres |
| Max Discharge | 124 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | RED ROCKS COUNTRY CLUB (AARON SMITH) |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 11/09/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CO01791 |
| Federal ID | CO01791 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |