Highline

Highline is an earth dam located in El Paso County, Colorado, built in 1938. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.

About Highline

The primary purpose of Highline 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 Colorado Springs Utilities (local government). It impounds the Monument Creek-tr near Colorado Springs.

The dam stands 38 feet tall and stretches 750 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 4 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 91 acre-feet. Completed in 1938, 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 05/19/2022.

At 38 feet, this dam is taller than 85% 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.

High HazardSatisfactory ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateColorado
CountyEl Paso
Nearest CityColorado Springs
River/StreamMonument Creek-tr
Coordinates38.87168, -104.86223

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height38 ft
Dam Height38 ft
Dam Length750 ft
Year Completed1938 (88 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage91 acre-ft
Max Storage91 acre-ft
Normal Storage55 acre-ft
Surface Area4 acres
Max Discharge77 cfs
Spillway TypeUncontrolled

Ownership & Safety

PurposeWater Supply
OwnerCOLORADO SPRINGS UTILITIES
Owner TypeLocal Government
Hazard ClassificationHigh
Condition AssessmentSatisfactory
Last Inspection05/19/2022
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDCO01973
Federal IDCO01973
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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