Lower Beaver Brook Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lower Beaver Brook, also known as Beaver Brook #2, is a rockfill dam located in Golden, Colorado, with a primary purpose of water supply.


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Summary

Completed in 1903, this dam stands at a height of 39 feet and has a hydraulic height of 38 feet, providing a maximum storage capacity of 32 acre-feet. With a drainage area of 7 square miles and a spillway width of 29 feet, Lower Beaver Brook has a high hazard potential and is categorized as being in fair condition.

Managed by local government authorities and regulated by the Colorado Division of Water Resources, Lower Beaver Brook undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and functionality. Despite its moderate risk assessment rating of 3, the dam has not been significantly modified since its construction over a century ago. Situated along the Beaver Brook river, this essential water resource structure plays a crucial role in sustaining the surrounding community's water supply needs. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Lower Beaver Brook serves as a fascinating example of early 20th-century engineering and the ongoing challenges of maintaining aging infrastructure in the face of evolving environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1903

Dam Length

224

Dam Height

39

River Or Stream

BEAVER BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Rockfill

Surface Area

3

Hydraulic Height

38

Drainage Area

7

Nid Storage

32

Structural Height

48

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

48
       
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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.