Dry Creek Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Dry Creek, located in Larimer County, Colorado, is a privately owned irrigation dam completed in 1966 with a primary purpose of providing water for agricultural use.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The dam stands at 17 feet tall and spans 1250 feet, with a maximum storage capacity of 1912 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 180 acre-feet. The dam has a low hazard potential and was last inspected in June 2019, with a satisfactory condition assessment.

Managed by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, Dry Creek is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state authorities, ensuring compliance with safety standards. The dam's spillway, categorized as uncontrolled, has a width of 20 feet, and the maximum discharge capacity is 6000 cubic feet per second. The risk assessment for Dry Creek is moderate, with a rating of 3, prompting the need for ongoing risk management measures to maintain the dam's integrity and safety for the surrounding community and environment. Overall, Dry Creek serves as a vital water resource for irrigation in the region, highlighting the importance of proper maintenance and monitoring to mitigate potential risks.

Year Completed

1966

Dam Length

1250

Dam Height

11

River Or Stream

DRY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

50

Hydraulic Height

16

Drainage Area

37

Nid Storage

1912

Structural Height

17

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

17
       
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.