Baseline - East Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 4, 2025

Baseline - East is a privately owned dam located in Boulder, Colorado, along Dry Creek.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Completed in 1905, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 40 feet and has a length of 2300 feet, with a storage capacity of 6592 acre-feet. The dam primarily serves irrigation and water supply purposes, with a spillway width of 25 feet for uncontrolled discharge.

Despite its satisfactory condition assessment, Baseline - East poses a high hazard potential, with a moderate risk rating. The dam is regulated and inspected by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, with enforcement and permitting in place to ensure its safe operation. In the event of an emergency, the dam lacks an Emergency Action Plan update since 2014, raising concerns for the effectiveness of response measures.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the management and safety of dams in Colorado will find Baseline - East an intriguing case study. With a combination of historical significance, engineering features, and regulatory oversight, this dam serves as a focal point for understanding the complexities of water infrastructure in a changing climate landscape.

Year Completed

1905

Dam Length

2300

Dam Height

40

River Or Stream

DRY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

270

Hydraulic Height

40

Nid Storage

6592

Structural Height

44

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

44
       
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.