Mason

Mason is an earth dam located in Teller County, Colorado, built in 1903. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.

About Mason

The primary purpose of Mason 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 Boehmer Creek near Pueblo.

The dam stands 73 feet tall and stretches 1,425 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 109 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 3,795 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 6 square miles. Completed in 1903, 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 07/21/2022.

At 73 feet, this dam is taller than 97% 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.

High HazardSatisfactory ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateColorado
CountyTeller
Nearest CityPueblo
River/StreamBoehmer Creek
Coordinates38.78000, -105.01390

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height73 ft
Dam Height50 ft
Dam Length1,425 ft
Year Completed1903 (123 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage3,795 acre-ft
Max Storage3,795 acre-ft
Normal Storage1,965 acre-ft
Surface Area109 acres
Drainage Area6 sq mi
Max Discharge6,235 cfs
Spillway TypeUncontrolled

Ownership & Safety

PurposeWater Supply
OwnerCOLORADO SPRINGS UTILITIES
Owner TypeLocal Government
Hazard ClassificationHigh
Condition AssessmentSatisfactory
Last Inspection07/21/2022
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDCO02049
Federal IDCO02049
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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