Morrison Raw Water
Morrison Raw Water is an earth dam located in Jefferson County, Colorado, built in 1982. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Morrison Raw Water
The primary purpose of Morrison Raw Water 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 Town Of Morrison (fouts, Fritz) (local government). It impounds the Bear Creek-tr near Morrison.
The dam stands 40 feet tall and stretches 655 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 3 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 42 acre-feet. Completed in 1982, the structure is 44 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 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 12/15/2022.
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.
Location
| State | Colorado |
| County | Jefferson |
| Nearest City | Morrison |
| River/Stream | Bear Creek-tr |
| Coordinates | 39.64889, -105.19779 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 40 ft |
| Dam Height | 40 ft |
| Dam Length | 655 ft |
| Year Completed | 1982 (44 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 42 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 42 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 29 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 3 acres |
| Max Discharge | 2,222 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | TOWN OF MORRISON (FOUTS, FRITZ) |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 12/15/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CO02676 |
| Federal ID | CO02676 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |