Milton Seaman Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Milton Seaman is a vital water resource infrastructure located in Larimer, Colorado, specifically in the city of Laporte.


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Summary

Completed in 1948, this earth dam stands at a height of 115 feet and has a storage capacity of 7,900 acre-feet, primarily serving the purpose of water supply for irrigation and other uses. The dam is situated along the North Fork Cache La Poudre River, with a drainage area of 541 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 47,600 cubic feet per second.

Managed by the local government, Milton Seaman is regulated and permitted by the Colorado Division of Water Resources, ensuring its safe operation and maintenance. The dam has a spillway width of 130 feet and is categorized with a high hazard potential, yet its condition assessment as of September 2020 was deemed satisfactory. With a moderate risk rating of 3, the dam's emergency action plan and risk management measures are crucial in mitigating any potential hazards and ensuring the safety of nearby residents and infrastructure.

Overall, Milton Seaman serves as a critical water supply structure in Colorado, exemplifying the importance of efficient water resource management and climate resilience. With its strategic location and significant storage capacity, the dam plays a key role in supporting local agricultural and municipal water needs, while also being subject to rigorous regulatory oversight and maintenance to uphold its structural integrity and safety standards for the community it serves.

Year Completed

1948

Dam Length

410

Dam Height

115

River Or Stream

N FORK CACHE LA POUDRE

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

146

Hydraulic Height

115

Drainage Area

541

Nid Storage

7900

Structural Height

120

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

120
       
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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.