The concrete gravity section foundation consists of pre-cambrian age rocks including granite, schist, and gneiss. This foundation is commonly jointed as a result of compressional folding and reverse faulting. The embankment foundation consists of sand, gravel, and cobbles up to 15 feet deep lying over decomposed, fractured, and broken granite.
Lake Estes, below Estes Power Plant, is formed by Olympus Dam constructed across the Big Thompson River. The afterbay storage in Lake Estes and the forebay storage in Marys Lake enable the Estes Power Plant to meet daily variations in energy demand.
General
Project
Colorado-Big Thompson
Longitude
-105.4883
Latitude
40.3750
Watercourse
Big Thompson River
Original Construction
1947-1949
Reservoir
Lake Estes
National ID Number
CO01662
Base Width
49.5 ft
Dimensions
Structural Height
70 ft
Crest Length
320 ft
Volume of Dam Construction Materials
21000 cu yd
Crest Elevation
7481.0 ft
Hydraulic Height (Normal Operating Depth at Dam)
45 ft
Crest Width
10 ft
Hydraulics & Hydrology
Total Water Storage at Elevation
3068 acre-ft at 7475
Spillway Capacity at Elevation
21200 cfs at 7475
Outlet Works Capacity at Elevation
2500 cfs at 60 ft
Drainage Area
158 sq mi
Maximum Water Surface Elevation
7487.0 ft
Contact
Owner
Title: Area Office Manager Organization: Eastern Colorado Area Office Address: 11056 W. County Rd 18E City: Loveland, CO 80537-9711 Fax: 970-663-3212 Phone: 970-461-5410
Operator
Title: Area Office Manager Organization: Eastern Colorado Area Office Address: 11056 W. County Rd 18E City: Loveland, CO 80537-9711 Fax: 970-663-3212 Phone: 970-461-5410
More Information about the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation