Barrett Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Barrett, located in Larimer County, Colorado, is a privately owned irrigation dam designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1973.


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Summary

It serves multiple purposes including irrigation, fire protection, stock, and small fish pond, with a storage capacity of 165 acre-feet. The dam stands at 32 feet tall with a length of 1098 feet, regulating the flow of Box Elder Creek. It is state regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, with inspection, enforcement, and permitting processes in place to ensure its safe operation.

With a low hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment as of June 2016, Barrett presents a moderate risk level for potential incidents. Its uncontrolled spillway, 110 feet wide, can handle a maximum discharge of 10,200 cubic feet per second. The dam is located in the city of Wellington, within the jurisdiction of the DWR, and falls under the oversight of the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Despite its moderate risk level, Barrett has not had any modifications in recent years, indicating a stable and well-maintained structure that continues to support the region's water resource needs.

Year Completed

1973

Dam Length

1098

Dam Height

24

River Or Stream

BOX ELDER CR-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

15

Hydraulic Height

24

Drainage Area

4

Nid Storage

165

Structural Height

32

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

32
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.