Rist - Benson Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Rist-Benson is a privately owned irrigation dam located on the Big Thompson River in Larimer County, Colorado.


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Summary

Built in 1903 by the USDA NRCS, this Earth-type dam stands at 15 feet high and stretches 1495 feet in length. Its primary purpose is irrigation, with additional recreational benefits for the surrounding area. The dam has a storage capacity of 819 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 3508 cubic feet per second.

Despite its age, Rist-Benson dam remains in satisfactory condition, with a high hazard potential due to its location and size. The dam is regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and stability. In the event of an emergency, the dam has an established Emergency Action Plan to mitigate risks and protect downstream communities.

Located in the beautiful city of Loveland, Rist-Benson dam serves as a vital water resource for agricultural and recreational activities in the region. Its historical significance and ongoing maintenance efforts highlight the importance of proper water resource management in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1903

Dam Length

1495

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

BIG THOMPSON RIVER-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

62

Hydraulic Height

13

Nid Storage

819

Structural Height

19

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

19
       
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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.