Olympus Dam
Olympus Dam is an earth dam located in Larimer County, Colorado, built in 1949. It carries a High hazard potential classification.
About Olympus Dam
The primary purpose of Olympus Dam 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 Big Thompson River near Olympus Heights.
The dam stands 70 feet tall and stretches 1,951 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 185 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 3,068 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 155 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 07/12/2023.
At 70 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 | Larimer |
| Nearest City | Olympus Heights |
| River/Stream | Big Thompson River |
| Coordinates | 40.37550, -105.48760 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 70 ft |
| Dam Height | 70 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,951 ft |
| Year Completed | 1949 (77 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 3,068 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 3,068 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 3,068 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 185 acres |
| Drainage Area | 155 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 21,200 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | BUREAU OF RECLAMATION |
| Owner Type | Federal |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Not Available |
| Last Inspection | 07/12/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CO01662 |
| Federal ID | CO01662 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |