Marys Lake Dike 1
Marys Lake Dike 1 is an earth dam located in Larimer County, Colorado, built in 1949. It carries a High hazard potential classification.
About Marys Lake Dike 1
The primary purpose of Marys Lake Dike 1 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 Bureau Of Reclamation (federal). It impounds the Fish Creek Tr near Estes Park.
The dam stands 29 feet tall and stretches 820 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 47 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 1,149 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1 square miles. Completed in 1949, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.
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. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 07/11/2023.
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 | Larimer |
| Nearest City | Estes Park |
| River/Stream | Fish Creek Tr |
| Coordinates | 40.34560, -105.53040 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 29 ft |
| Dam Height | 29 ft |
| Dam Length | 820 ft |
| Year Completed | 1949 (77 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 1,149 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 1,149 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 927 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 47 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Spillway Type | None |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | BUREAU OF RECLAMATION |
| Owner Type | Federal |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Not Available |
| Last Inspection | 07/11/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CO01660 |
| Federal ID | CO01660 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |