Box Elder #1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Box Elder #1, located in Larimer County, Colorado, is a privately owned dam built in 1965 primarily for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

With a height of 9 feet and a length of 900 feet, this earth dam serves to store and regulate water from the Box Elder Creek. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam has a high risk assessment due to its critical role in water management in the area.

The dam has a normal storage capacity of 39 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 989 cubic feet per second. It lacks a spillway but is equipped with outlet gates for water control. Although the dam's condition assessment is not rated, it undergoes regular inspections every 6 years to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Given its importance for irrigation in the region, maintaining and monitoring Box Elder #1 is crucial for water resource and climate enthusiasts.

Overall, Box Elder #1 presents an interesting case study for water resource management, with its strategic location, purposeful design, and risk assessment highlighting the complexities and challenges of maintaining essential water infrastructure in the face of changing climate conditions. As a privately owned structure within a regulated state jurisdiction, the dam serves as a key component in the local water supply system and underscores the importance of proactive monitoring and maintenance to ensure its continued functionality and safety.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

900

Dam Height

9

River Or Stream

BOXELDER CR-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

15

Hydraulic Height

9

Nid Storage

99

Structural Height

9

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

9
       
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.