Stratton
Stratton is a gravity dam located in Teller County, Colorado, built in 1919. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Stratton
The primary purpose of Stratton is flood risk reduction. The dam is designed to control downstream flooding by temporarily storing excess water during storms and releasing it at a controlled rate. The dam is owned by Colorado Springs Utilities (local government). It impounds the North Cheyenne Creek near Colorado Springs.
The dam stands 30 feet tall and stretches 292 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 16 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 190 acre-feet. Completed in 1919, 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 fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 07/30/2020.
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 | Teller |
| Nearest City | Colorado Springs |
| River/Stream | North Cheyenne Creek |
| Coordinates | 38.77891, -104.98823 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 30 ft |
| Dam Height | 16 ft |
| Dam Length | 292 ft |
| Year Completed | 1919 (107 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 190 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 190 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 88 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 16 acres |
| Max Discharge | 192 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Flood Risk Reduction |
| Owner | COLORADO SPRINGS UTILITIES |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 07/30/2020 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CO02945 |
| Federal ID | CO02945 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |