Bear Creek Dam (Colorado) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bear Creek Dam |
|
|---|---|
 Location of Bear Creek Dam in Colorado
|
|
| Country | United States |
| Location | Lakewood, Colorado |
| Coordinates | 39°39′06″N 105°08′24″W / 39.651757°N 105.140091°W |
| Status | Operational |
| Opening date | 1982 |
| Owner(s) |  U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District |
| Dam and spillways | |
| Type of dam | Embankment, earthen |
| Impounds | Bear Creek |
| Reservoir | |
| Creates | Bear Creek Lake |
| Total capacity | 2,000 acre⋅ft (2,466,964 m3) |
| Catchment area | 236 sq mi (611 km2) |
| Surface area | 110 acres (45 ha) |
| Maximum length | 1 mi (2 km) |
| Maximum water depth | 45 ft (14 m) |
| Normal elevation | 5,550 feet msl |
| Website U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Bear Creek Dam |
|
Bear Creek Dam is a large wall built across Bear Creek in Lakewood, Colorado. It sits right where Bear Creek meets Turkey Creek. The main reason this dam was built is to help control floods in the bigger Denver Metropolitan Area. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built and operates it.
What Does Bear Creek Dam Do?
The most important job of Bear Creek Dam is to stop floods. When a lot of rain falls, or snow melts quickly, creeks and rivers can overflow. This can cause big problems for homes and businesses. The dam holds back extra water, creating Bear Creek Lake. This helps protect the people and buildings in Denver from being flooded.
The dam was finished in 1982. It's an "embankment" dam, which means it's made mostly of earth and rock. It's a key part of keeping the Denver area safe from too much water.
Fun at Bear Creek Lake Park
Around the dam and the lake is a huge area called Bear Creek Park. This park covers about 2,600 acres, which is like 2,600 football fields! The city of Lakewood, Colorado manages the park. They work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to keep it great for everyone.
There are many fun things to do at Bear Creek Park:
- Trails: You can explore many miles of trails. These trails are perfect for walking, riding your bike, or even riding a horse.
- Visitor Center: Check out the Visitor Center. It has cool displays and offers special programs about nature.
- Swim Beach: On hot days, you can go for a swim at the beach.
- Boating: There's a marina where you can rent boats. You can also learn to water ski during the summer.
- Camping: If you love the outdoors, there's a campground with 47 spots. Some even have electricity.
- Horseback Riding: You can find stables that offer guided horseback rides.
- Fishing: The lake is a great place to go fishing.
Bear Creek Lake is about 110 acres in size. It can hold a lot of water, helping to manage the flow of Bear Creek. The lake is about 45 feet deep at its deepest point.
