Jackson Lake

Jackson Lake is an earth dam located in Morgan County, Colorado, built in 1900. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.

About Jackson Lake

The primary purpose of Jackson Lake is irrigation. The dam stores and diverts water for agricultural irrigation, supporting farming operations in the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Jackson Lake Reservoir Co. (cynthia Lefever) (private). It impounds the South Platte River-tr near Goodrich.

The dam stands 39 feet tall and stretches 13,000 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 2,427 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 60,800 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 15 square miles. Completed in 1900, 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 08/05/2021.

At 39 feet, this dam is taller than 86% 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.

High HazardSatisfactory ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateColorado
CountyMorgan
Nearest CityGoodrich
River/StreamSouth Platte River-tr
Coordinates40.37286, -104.07789

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height39 ft
Dam Height39 ft
Dam Length13,000 ft
Year Completed1900 (126 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage60,800 acre-ft
Max Storage60,800 acre-ft
Normal Storage27,256 acre-ft
Surface Area2,427 acres
Drainage Area15 sq mi
Max Discharge10,224 cfs
Spillway TypeUncontrolled

Ownership & Safety

PurposeIrrigation
OwnerJACKSON LAKE RESERVOIR CO. (CYNTHIA LEFEVER)
Owner TypePrivate
Hazard ClassificationHigh
Condition AssessmentSatisfactory
Last Inspection08/05/2021
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDCO00016
Federal IDCO00016
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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