Twin Lakes Dam
Twin Lakes Dam is an earth dam located in Lake County, Colorado, built in 1978. It carries a High hazard potential classification.
About Twin Lakes Dam
The primary purpose of Twin Lakes Dam is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. The dam is owned by Bureau Of Reclamation (federal). It impounds the Lake Creek near Granite.
The dam stands 100 feet tall and stretches 3,140 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 2,805 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 147,500 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 104 square miles. Completed in 1978, the structure is 48 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. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 07/13/2022.
At 100 feet, this dam is taller than 98% of all dams in the United States.
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 | Lake |
| Nearest City | Granite |
| River/Stream | Lake Creek |
| Coordinates | 39.07730, -106.30350 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 100 ft |
| Dam Height | 55 ft |
| Dam Length | 3,140 ft |
| Year Completed | 1978 (48 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 147,500 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 147,500 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 141,000 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 2,805 acres |
| Drainage Area | 104 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,400 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | BUREAU OF RECLAMATION |
| Owner Type | Federal |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Not Available |
| Last Inspection | 07/13/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CO02045 |
| Federal ID | CO02045 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |