Cabin Creek Lower
Cabin Creek Lower is an earth dam located in Clear Creek County, Colorado, built in 1967. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Cabin Creek Lower
The primary purpose of Cabin Creek Lower is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. The dam is owned by Public Service Company Of Colorado (public utility). It impounds the South Clear Creek near Georgetown.
The dam stands 95 feet tall and stretches 1,195 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 52 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 1,990 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 15 square miles. Completed in 1967, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 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 06/07/2022.
At 95 feet, this dam is taller than 98% 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 | Clear Creek |
| Nearest City | Georgetown |
| River/Stream | South Clear Creek |
| Coordinates | 39.66217, -105.70620 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 95 ft |
| Dam Height | 95 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,195 ft |
| Year Completed | 1967 (59 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 1,990 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 1,990 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1,800 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 52 acres |
| Drainage Area | 15 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 12,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Public Service Company of Colorado |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 06/07/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CO01240 |
| Federal ID | CO01240 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |