The Cherry Creek Dam outlet manages reservoir levels by releasing water from the reservoir to downstream users. Release rates are generally less than 100 cubic feet of water per second. The outlet structure can release water at a rate of up to 10,000 cfs. when operating to reduce flood risks during periods of high runoff. One cubic foot of water, or cfs, is equivalent to 7.5 gallons. (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers photo by Amy Echols)