Chippewa Creek Structure Iv-a

About Chippewa Creek Structure Iv-a

The primary purpose of Chippewa Creek Structure Iv-a is flood risk reduction. The dam is designed to control downstream flooding by temporarily storing excess water during storms and releasing it at a controlled rate. The dam is owned by Mwcd, Chippewa Subdistrict (local government). It impounds the Tributary To Chippewa Creek near Sterling.

The dam stands 41 feet tall and stretches 480 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 4 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 203 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1 square miles. Completed in 1973, 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 05/27/2025.

At 41 feet, this dam is taller than 88% of dams nationwide.

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