Horse Creek Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Horse Creek, located in Weld County, Colorado, is a privately owned irrigation dam completed in 1910 with a primary purpose of providing water for agricultural use.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 39 feet and spans a length of 4800 feet, with a storage capacity of 29,739 acre-feet. With a drainage area of 26 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 49,700 cubic feet per second, Horse Creek plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.

Maintained and regulated by the Colorado Division of Water Resources, Horse Creek has a high hazard potential due to its location and design, but its condition is assessed as satisfactory. The dam is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway that is 340 feet wide, ensuring proper water flow during high volumes. Despite its age, Horse Creek continues to serve its intended purpose effectively, showcasing the importance of proper infrastructure for water resource management in the face of changing climate conditions. As climate enthusiasts, it is crucial to monitor and assess the risk factors associated with dams like Horse Creek to ensure their continued safety and functionality in the years to come.

Year Completed

1910

Dam Length

4800

Dam Height

39

River Or Stream

HORSE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

712

Hydraulic Height

28

Drainage Area

26

Nid Storage

29739

Structural Height

39

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

39
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.