Guanella
Guanella is an earth dam located in Clear Creek County, Colorado, built in 2004. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Guanella
The primary purpose of Guanella 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 City Of Golden (stambaugh, Will) (local government). It impounds the West Fork Of Clear Creek-os near Empire.
The dam stands 40 feet tall and stretches 1,950 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 52 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 1,660 acre-feet. Completed in 2004, the structure is relatively new.
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 06/30/2022.
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 | Clear Creek |
| Nearest City | Empire |
| River/Stream | West Fork Of Clear Creek-os |
| Coordinates | 39.75832, -105.69584 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 40 ft |
| Dam Height | 34 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,950 ft |
| Year Completed | 2004 (22 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 1,660 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 1,660 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1,340 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 52 acres |
| Max Discharge | 237 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | CITY OF GOLDEN (STAMBAUGH, WILL) |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 06/30/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CO02852 |
| Federal ID | CO02852 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |