Didn’t somebody say that water can carve canyons? Here, at Skeel Dam, we see human ingenuity shaping the flow. Skeel Dam stands in Denver, Colorado. It is a testament to early 20th-century engineering.
Completed around 1900-1909, Skeel Dam serves as a vital structure. Its primary purpose is recreation and irrigation. The dam harnesses the South Platte River.
Skeel Dam is not just a wall of earth. It is classified as an earth dam with an earth core. This design uses natural materials for stability. The dam stretches 1150 feet long. Its height reaches 40 feet.
Skeel Dam holds back Skeel Reservoir. The reservoir covers 15 acres. It can store up to 220 acre-feet of water. This water supports local recreational activities and irrigation needs.
The dam features an uncontrolled spillway. It is 30 feet wide. This spillway manages excess water during high flow periods. It ensures the dam’s structural integrity. The maximum discharge is 575 cubic feet per second.
Over the years, Skeel Dam has undergone several modifications. These occurred in the 1901s, 1975s and 1997s. These updates ensure its continued functionality and safety.
Skeel Dam is under the jurisdiction of the State of Colorado. The Colorado Division of Water Resources oversees its regulation. They ensure the dam meets safety and operational standards. The City and County of Denver Parks and Recreation owns and maintains Skeel Dam.
The area around Skeel Dam offers more than just water management. Nearby, you will find the Wellshire Municipal Golf Course. Several schools dot the landscape too. These include Slavens Elementary School and Thomas Jefferson High School.
Skeel Dam continues to play a role in Denver. It provides recreational opportunities. It helps manage water resources for the community.