Memorial Dam
Memorial Dam is an earth dam located in Denver County, Colorado, built in 1983. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Memorial Dam
The primary purpose of Memorial Dam is irrigation. The dam stores and diverts water for agricultural irrigation, supporting farming operations in the surrounding area. The dam is owned by U.s. Veterans Administration (federal). It impounds the Bear Creek-tr near Sheridan.
The dam stands 55 feet tall and stretches 890 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 6 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 98 acre-feet. Completed in 1983, the structure is 43 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 fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 12/06/2022.
At 55 feet, this dam is taller than 94% of dams nationwide.
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Location
| State | Colorado |
| County | Denver |
| Nearest City | Sheridan |
| River/Stream | Bear Creek-tr |
| Coordinates | 39.64807, -105.04640 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 55 ft |
| Dam Height | 28 ft |
| Dam Length | 890 ft |
| Year Completed | 1983 (43 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 98 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 98 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 59 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 6 acres |
| Max Discharge | 2,125 cfs |
| Spillway Type | None |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Irrigation |
| Owner | U.S. VETERANS ADMINISTRATION |
| Owner Type | Federal |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 12/06/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CO02425 |
| Federal ID | CO02425 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |