Arapahoe Lake
Arapahoe Lake is an earth dam located in Arapahoe County, Colorado, built in 1974. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Arapahoe Lake
The primary purpose of Arapahoe Lake is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Arapahoe Lake No. 1 Association (private). It impounds the Goldsmith Gulch near Denver.
The dam stands 23 feet tall and stretches 425 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 4 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 45 acre-feet. Completed in 1974, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. 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 04/11/2022.
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Location
| State | Colorado |
| County | Arapahoe |
| Nearest City | Denver |
| River/Stream | Goldsmith Gulch |
| Coordinates | 39.60567, -104.87372 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 23 ft |
| Dam Height | 20 ft |
| Dam Length | 425 ft |
| Year Completed | 1974 (52 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 45 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 45 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 30 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 4 acres |
| Max Discharge | 2,100 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | ARAPAHOE LAKE NO. 1 ASSOCIATION |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 04/11/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CO02089 |
| Federal ID | CO02089 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |