Mesa Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 4, 2025

Mesa, also known as Hank Roberts Lake, is a local government-owned recreational dam located in Boulder, Colorado.


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Summary

Built in 1907, this Earth dam stands at 16 feet high and has a hydraulic height of 22 feet, with a maximum storage capacity of 160 acre-feet. The dam serves primarily for recreational purposes and is situated along the Little Dry Creek-TR river or stream, offering a serene and picturesque setting for water resource and climate enthusiasts to explore.

Despite its age, Mesa has been regularly inspected and deemed to be in satisfactory condition, with a low hazard potential. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 9 feet, and has a moderate risk level according to a risk assessment rating of 3. With a surface area of 18 acres and a normal storage capacity of 53 acre-feet, Mesa provides a safe and enjoyable environment for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and hiking.

In the event of an emergency, the dam has protocols in place for risk management measures, although specific details on emergency action plans and inundation maps are not readily available. Overall, Mesa presents a unique opportunity for water resource and climate enthusiasts to appreciate the beauty of nature while also understanding the importance of maintaining and managing water infrastructure for future generations.

Year Completed

1907

Dam Length

850

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

LITTLE DRY CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

18

Hydraulic Height

22

Nid Storage

160

Structural Height

22

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

22
       
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.