Built in 1971 for irrigation purposes, this earth dam stands at 53 feet tall and has a storage capacity of 1621 acre-feet. The dam sits on Panhandle Creek and has a spillway width of 212 feet, with a high hazard potential due to its location and design.
Despite its high hazard potential, Panhandle has been assessed as satisfactory in terms of its condition, with the last inspection conducted in September 2020. The dam is regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement activities in place. With a risk assessment rating of moderate, Panhandle is closely monitored to ensure the safety of downstream communities and the surrounding environment. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Panhandle serves as an important piece of infrastructure in the region, providing critical irrigation water and recreational opportunities while maintaining a balance between human needs and environmental safety.
Year Completed |
1971 |
Dam Length |
1000 |
Dam Height |
53 |
River Or Stream |
PANHANDLE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
52 |
Hydraulic Height |
53 |
Drainage Area |
17 |
Nid Storage |
1621 |
Structural Height |
71 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
71 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
North Fork Poudre
|
||
North Fork Poudre Campground
|
||
Dowdy Lake Campground
|
||
Bellaire Lake
|
||
Bellaire Lake Campground
|
||
West Lake
|
End Of Four-Wheel Drive Road To Pearl Creek In Se 1/4 Sec 21, T10N, R74W
Pearl Creek To Junction Of Road West Of Creedmore Lakes In Sw 1/4 Sec 5, T10N, R73E
Source In Se 1/4 Sec 25, T10N, R75W To End Of The Four-Wheel Drive Road East Of The Nf Poudre Campground (Nw 1/4 Of Sec 21, T10N, R74W
Road West Of Creedmore Lakes To Junction Of Intermittent Stream In Sw 1/4, Sec 29, T11N, R72W
Upper North Fork
Intermittent Stream To Junction With Co Division Of Wildlife Angler Access Trail In Sw 1/4 Sec 22, T11N, R72W