Idaho Springs
Idaho Springs is an earth dam located in Clear Creek County, Colorado, built in 1906. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Idaho Springs
The primary purpose of Idaho Springs is water supply. The dam stores water for municipal, industrial, or agricultural use, helping ensure a reliable supply for the surrounding area. The dam is owned by City Of Idaho Springs (bordoni, John) (local government). It impounds the Chicago Creek near Idaho Springs.
The dam stands 33 feet tall and stretches 701 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 18 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 320 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 6 square miles. Completed in 1906, 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 07/13/2022.
At 33 feet, this dam is taller than 78% 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.
Location
| State | Colorado |
| County | Clear Creek |
| Nearest City | Idaho Springs |
| River/Stream | Chicago Creek |
| Coordinates | 39.64485, -105.61495 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 33 ft |
| Dam Height | 28 ft |
| Dam Length | 701 ft |
| Year Completed | 1906 (120 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 320 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 320 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 230 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 18 acres |
| Drainage Area | 6 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 5,700 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | CITY OF IDAHO SPRINGS (BORDONI, JOHN) |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 07/13/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CO01782 |
| Federal ID | CO01782 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |