{ "bbox":null, "type":"Feature", "geometry":{ "bbox":null, "type":"Point", "coordinates":[ -104.85361, 39.65083 ] }, "properties":{ "provider":"NWO", "code":"CHCR", "slug":"chcr", "elevation":5550.0, "horizontal_datum":"WGS84", "vertical_datum":"LOCAL", "state":"CO", "kind":"PROJECT", "nearest_city":"Centennial, CO", "public_name":"Cherry Creek Dam & Reservoir", "location_code":2340030, "nsid":null, "aliases":{ "NIDID":"CO01280", "NWS Handbook 5 ID":"EGDC2" }, "timeseries":[ { "tsid":"CHCR.Elev.Inst.1Hour.0.Best-NWO", "label":"Elevation", "base_parameter":"Elev", "parameter":"Elev", "unit":"ft", "unit_long_name":"Feet", "latest_time":"2026-04-14T22:00:00Z", "latest_value":5547.19, "delta24h":null, "sort_order":1, "results":null }, { "tsid":"CHCR.Stor.Inst.1Hour.0.Best-NWO", "label":"Flood Storage", "base_parameter":"Stor", "parameter":"Stor", "unit":"ac-ft", "unit_long_name":"Acre-feet", "latest_time":"2026-04-14T22:00:00Z", "latest_value":10563.2, "delta24h":null, "sort_order":11, "results":null }, { "tsid":"CHCR.Flow-Out.Inst.1Hour.0.Best-NWO", "label":"Outflow", "base_parameter":"Flow", "parameter":"Flow-Out", "unit":"cfs", "unit_long_name":"Cubic feet per second", "latest_time":"2026-04-14T22:00:00Z", "latest_value":14.86, "delta24h":null, "sort_order":7, "results":null }, { "tsid":"CHCR.Flow-In.Ave.~1Day.1Day.Best-NWO", "label":"Inflow", "base_parameter":"Flow", "parameter":"Flow-In", "unit":"cfs", "unit_long_name":"Cubic feet per second", "latest_time":"2026-04-14T05:00:00Z", "latest_value":16.83, "delta24h":null, "sort_order":6, "results":null } ], "name":"Cherry Creek Dam & Reservoir", "hasResopsAverages":"true", "nidId":"CO01280", "nidid":"", "levels":[ { "slug":"elev.bottom of flood", "label":"Bottom of Flood", "parameter":"Elev", "base_parameter":"Elev", "tsid":"CHCR.Elev.Inst.0.Bottom of Flood", "latest_value":5550, "units":"ft", "units_long_name":"Feet" }, { "slug":"elev.max of record", "label":"Max of Record", "parameter":"Elev", "base_parameter":"Elev", "tsid":"CHCR.Elev.Inst.0.Max of Record", "latest_value":5565.8, "units":"ft", "units_long_name":"Feet" }, { "slug":"elev.spillway crest", "label":"Spillway Crest", "parameter":"Elev", "base_parameter":"Elev", "tsid":"CHCR.Elev.Inst.0.Spillway Crest", "latest_value":5599.3, "units":"ft", "units_long_name":"Feet" }, { "slug":"elev.streambed", "label":"Streambed", "parameter":"Elev", "base_parameter":"Elev", "tsid":"CHCR.Elev.Inst.0.Streambed", "latest_value":5504, "units":"ft", "units_long_name":"Feet" }, { "slug":"elev.top of conservation", "label":"Top of Conservation", "parameter":"Elev", "base_parameter":"Elev", "tsid":"CHCR.Elev.Inst.0.Top of Conservation", "latest_value":5550, "units":"ft", "units_long_name":"Feet" }, { "slug":"elev.top of dam", "label":"Top of Dam", "parameter":"Elev", "base_parameter":"Elev", "tsid":"CHCR.Elev.Inst.0.Top of Dam", "latest_value":5644.4, "units":"ft", "units_long_name":"Feet" }, { "slug":"elev.top of flood", "label":"Top of Flood", "parameter":"Elev", "base_parameter":"Elev", "tsid":"CHCR.Elev.Inst.0.Top of Flood", "latest_value":5598, "units":"ft", "units_long_name":"Feet" }, { "slug":"elev.top of flood level i", "label":"Top of Flood Level I", "parameter":"Elev", "base_parameter":"Elev", "tsid":"CHCR.Elev.Inst.0.Top of Flood Level I", "latest_value":5554.4, "units":"ft", "units_long_name":"Feet" }, { "slug":"elev.top of flood level ii", "label":"Top of Flood Level II", "parameter":"Elev", "base_parameter":"Elev", "tsid":"CHCR.Elev.Inst.0.Top of Flood Level II", "latest_value":5598, "units":"ft", "units_long_name":"Feet" }, { "slug":"elev.top of inactive", "label":"Top of Inactive", "parameter":"Elev", "base_parameter":"Elev", "tsid":"CHCR.Elev.Inst.0.Top of Inactive", "latest_value":5504, "units":"ft", "units_long_name":"Feet" }, { "slug":"elev.top of surcharge", "label":"Top of Surcharge", "parameter":"Elev", "base_parameter":"Elev", "tsid":"CHCR.Elev.Inst.0.Top of Surcharge", "latest_value":5645, "units":"ft", "units_long_name":"Feet" }, { "slug":"stor.spillway crest", "label":"Spillway Crest", "parameter":"Stor", "base_parameter":"Stor", "tsid":"CHCR.Stor.Inst.0.Spillway Crest", "latest_value":97554, "units":"ac-ft", "units_long_name":"Acre-feet" }, { "slug":"stor.streambed", "label":"Streambed", "parameter":"Stor", "base_parameter":"Stor", "tsid":"CHCR.Stor.Inst.0.Streambed", "latest_value":0, "units":"ac-ft", "units_long_name":"Acre-feet" }, { "slug":"stor.top of conservation", "label":"Top of Conservation", "parameter":"Stor", "base_parameter":"Stor", "tsid":"CHCR.Stor.Inst.0.Top of Conservation", "latest_value":12885, "units":"ac-ft", "units_long_name":"Acre-feet" }, { "slug":"stor.top of dam", "label":"Top of Dam", "parameter":"Stor", "base_parameter":"Stor", "tsid":"CHCR.Stor.Inst.0.Top of Dam", "latest_value":269804, "units":"ac-ft", "units_long_name":"Acre-feet" }, { "slug":"stor.top of flood", "label":"Top of Flood", "parameter":"Stor", "base_parameter":"Stor", "tsid":"CHCR.Stor.Inst.0.Top of Flood", "latest_value":94068, "units":"ac-ft", "units_long_name":"Acre-feet" }, { "slug":"stor.top of inactive", "label":"Top of Inactive", "parameter":"Stor", "base_parameter":"Stor", "tsid":"CHCR.Stor.Inst.0.Top of Inactive", "latest_value":0, "units":"ac-ft", "units_long_name":"Acre-feet" }, { "slug":"stor.top of surcharge", "label":"Top of Surcharge", "parameter":"Stor", "base_parameter":"Stor", "tsid":"CHCR.Stor.Inst.0.Top of Surcharge", "latest_value":273794, "units":"ac-ft", "units_long_name":"Acre-feet" } ], "id":549858, "associatedStructuresCount":0, "conditionAssessDate":null, "conditionAssessDetail":null, "conditionAssessId":6, "damHeight":null, "damLength":14300, "distance":1, "drainageArea":385, "eapId":1, "dsacAssignedDate":"2008-12-01T12:00:00.000Z", "eapMeetsGuidelinesId":1, "emergencyContactsUpdated":"2023-09-13T12:00:00.000Z", "eapLastRevDate":"2008-08-01T12:00:00.000Z", "enforcementAuthorityId":1, "federalId":"CO01280", "oldFederalId":"CO01280", "hazardId":4, "hydraulicHeight":140, "inspectionAuthorityId":1, "inspectionDate":"2025-03-24T12:00:00.000Z", "inspectionFrequency":5, "jurisdictionAuthorityId":1, "latitude":39.649476227, "lengthOfLocks":0, "secondaryLengthOfLocks":null, "longitude":-104.858278877, "maxDischarge":28600, "maxStorage":134470, "nidHeight":189, "nidStorage":134470, "normalStorage":13960, "numberOfLocks":0, "operationalStatusDate":"2007-06-01T12:00:00.000Z", "operationalStatusId":1, "originalDesignerName":null, "otherStructureId":null, "permittingAuthorityId":1, "politicalPartyId":null, "privateDamId":null, "projectDescription":"Cherry Creek Dam and Reservoir is owned, operated, and maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Operating since the early 1950s, it is the first of three \u201ctri-lakes\u201d dams built by USACE to collectively reduce risks from flooding in the Denver metropolitan area. When not operating to reduce flood impacts, USACE manages water releases from this tri-lakes system for recreation, water quality, and to support fish and wildlife.\n\nThe dam consists of an earthen embankment with an outlet structure for releasing stored water. Excess water during times of extreme runoff from rain and snowmelt can flow through an earthen spillway to the north of the embankment. This would flow into the adjacent Toll Gate and Sand Creek drainage basins. During normal operations, the outlet structure provides water to downstream users and releases are generally less than 100 cubic feet of water per second (cfs) (one cubic foot of water is equal to 7.5 gallons). As operations shift to reducing flood risks the outlet structure is used to manage the reservoir elevation and can release up to 10,000 cfs. When the need to release water from the reservoir exceeds the outlet structure\u2019s capacity, water flowing through the spillway would reduce the likelihood of water flowing over the embankment which can lead to dam failure, or breach. The estimated maximum flow through the spillway is 45,000 cfs. This large but controlled, intentional flow is called a \u201cnon-breach\u201d release. The reservoir has never been high enough for spillway flow. \n\nThe largest release from Cherry Creek Dam as a result of flooding was approximately 560 cfs from the outlet structure in 1965. It is important to understand that the dam and spillway are designed to release far more water when necessary and these large releases can occur with minimal to no warning, even with warning systems in place.", "riskCharSummary":"Although Cherry Creek Dam continues to reliably reduce floods, it alone cannot eliminate the risk of flooding (nor can the system of dams in which it operates). While unlikely, a non-breach release when the reservoir is full is critical to reduce the chance of dam overtopping, even if streams and rivers below the dam have reached or exceeded their capacity. Impacts on downstream populations and structures would be overwhelming, but a breach would allow water stored behind the dam to significantly intensify downstream flooding.\n \nWhen USACE last assessed the dam\u2019s ability to meet flood risk management goals, it was determined that the primary threat that could lead to a breach during an extreme flood, with the reservoir at or near its maximum storage level, is overtopping. Although this scenario is extremely unlikely, failure of the dam would result in catastrophic flooding with swift, deep, and life-threatening floodwater in many parts of the Denver area, and communities along the South Platte River and tributaries including Cherry, Toll Gate, and Sand creeks. This would substantially impact property, the economy, and critical infrastructure (such as power and water utilities, transportation systems, and commercial and industrial facilities). \n\nUSACE categorized the risk associated with Cherry Creek Dam as \u201chigh\u201d among its more than 700 dams due\u2013should a breach occur\u2013to the consequences to the highly urbanized downstream communities where the population has significantly increased since the dam was built. This database and the accompanying inundation maps provide additional details, including consequences for a range of release volumes, non-breach releases, and dam failure. For more information on the USACE Dam Safety Program and risk assessments, visit: https://www.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Dam-Safety-Program.", "riskManagementMeasures":"Ongoing Actions: The USACE Dam Safety Program takes proactive steps to reduce risk to life, property, and the environment during both normal operations and extreme floods. Dam experts routinely monitor and observe the dam, conduct regular maintenance and repairs, and work closely with state and local emergency management agencies with responsibilities in communities potentially affected by high flows to improve preparedness, evacuation planning, and public awareness of flood risks. For more information visit: https://www.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Dam-Safety-Program.\n\nActions at Cherry Creek Dam: As a responsible dam owner, USACE completed a Dam Safety Modification Study in 2019 to evaluate opportunities to further reduce risks associated with Cherry Creek Dam. While the study resulted in the decision not to structurally alter the dam itself due to the extremely low likelihood of failure, USACE removed sediment that restricted flow through the spillway to reduce the probability of overtopping. In addition, USACE completed several non-structural actions to further reduce risks. These included updating gages to better monitor the reservoir and drainage basins during extreme runoff events and improving runoff forecast models in coordination with the National Weather Service to accelerate warnings from local emergency management agencies. As an added precaution, the Water Control Manual was modified to allow the staff who operate the dam, in coordination with the State of Colorado, to accelerate the release of stored water to further reduce the risk of overtopping. \n\nBuilding Awareness: Since dams do not eliminate flood risk, communities downstream of Denver-area dams are encouraged to monitor National Weather Service flood forecasts during periods of heavy rain and snowmelt and learn about potential flood impacts to their family, home, and community. It is important to understand community notification plans, including safe, efficient evacuation routes, and consider preparedness and emergency actions to reduce individual risks.", "riverName":"CHERRY CREEK", "separateStructuresCount":0, "sourceAgency":"US Army Corps of Engineers", "spillwayTypeId":3, "spillwayWidth":67, "stateFedId":"CO01280", "stateRegulatoryAgency":"DWR", "stateRegulatedId":1, "structuralHeight":189, "submitDate":"2023-02-16T17:25:41.436Z", "surfaceArea":852, "volume":13000000, "widthOfLocks":0, "secondaryWidthOfLocks":null, "yearCompleted":1953, "congDist":"Congressional District 06, Colorado", "city":"DENVER", "county":"Arapahoe", "aiannh":null, "websiteUrl":"https://www.nwo.usace.army.mil/Missions/Dam-and-Lake-Projects/Tri-Lakes-Projects/Cherry-Creek-Dam/", "coreTypeIds":"3", "damTypeIds":"8", "fedConstructionIds":"1", "fedDesignIds":"1", "fedFundingIds":"1", "fedInspectionIds":"1", "fedOperationIds":"1", "fedOtherIds":"1", "fedOwnerIds":"1", "fedRegulatoryIds":"1", "formerNames":null, "foundationTypeIds":"1;3", "nonFederalDamOnFederalId":0, "designerNames":"CENWO", "otherNames":"Cherry Creek Lake", "ownerNames":"USACE - Omaha District", "ownerTypeIds":"3", "primaryDamTypeId":8, "primaryOwnerTypeId":3, "primaryPurposeId":9, "purposeIds":"9;5", "dsacId":2, "femaRegion":"8", "lastEapExcerDate":"2025-02-26T12:00:00.000Z", "dataUpdated":"2025-07-03T12:00:00.000Z", "usaceDistrict":"Omaha District", "noConsequencesId":0, "secretaryAgricultureBuiltId":null, "nrcsWatershedAuthorizationId":null, "isAssociatedStructureId":"No", "fedRegulatedId":"Yes", "inundationNidAddedId":1, "damStatusId":2, "huc06":"101900", "doi_region":"UCB", "doi_region_name":"Upper Colorado Basin", "doi_region_number":7, "thirtyYearAverage":15.7293, "tenthPercentile":14.6663, "ninetiethPercentile":16.3459 }, "id":2340030, "links":[ { "type":"application/json", "rel":"root", "title":"The landing page of this server as JSON", "href":"https://api.wwdh.internetofwater.app?f=json" }, { "type":"text/html", "rel":"root", "title":"The landing page of this server as HTML", "href":"https://api.wwdh.internetofwater.app?f=html" }, { "rel":"self", "type":"application/geo+json", "title":"This document as JSON", "href":"https://api.wwdh.internetofwater.app/collections/usace-edr/items/2340030?f=json" }, { "rel":"alternate", "type":"application/ld+json", "title":"This document as RDF (JSON-LD)", "href":"https://api.wwdh.internetofwater.app/collections/usace-edr/items/2340030?f=jsonld" }, { "rel":"alternate", "type":"text/html", "title":"This document as HTML", "href":"https://api.wwdh.internetofwater.app/collections/usace-edr/items/2340030?f=html" }, { "rel":"collection", "type":"application/json", "title":"USACE Access2Water API", "href":"https://api.wwdh.internetofwater.app/collections/usace-edr" } ] }