Dunes
Dunes is an earth dam located in Adams County, Colorado, built in 2012. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Dunes
The primary purpose of Dunes 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 Denver Board Of Water Commissioners (public utility). It impounds the South Platte River-os near Brighton.
The dam stands 67 feet tall and stretches 9,100 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 130 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 5,644 acre-feet. Completed in 2012, 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 03/24/2022.
At 67 feet, this dam is taller than 96% 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 | Adams |
| Nearest City | Brighton |
| River/Stream | South Platte River-os |
| Coordinates | 39.90315, -104.87754 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 67 ft |
| Dam Height | 62 ft |
| Dam Length | 9,100 ft |
| Year Completed | 2012 (14 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 5,644 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 5,644 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 5,192 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 130 acres |
| Max Discharge | 241 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | DENVER BOARD OF WATER COMMISSIONERS |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 03/24/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CO02865 |
| Federal ID | CO02865 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |