Mesa Park Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 4, 2025

Mesa Park, also known as Wonderland Lake, is a captivating water resource located in Boulder, Colorado.


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Summary

This local government-owned facility serves multiple purposes, including providing a peaceful spot for recreation and supporting fish and wildlife through its pond. Built in 1907, Mesa Park features an earth dam with a height of 23 feet and a length of 1245 feet, creating a storage capacity of 260 acre-feet.

With its picturesque setting and high hazard potential, Mesa Park is a vital water resource managed by the Colorado Department of Water Resources. The dam's spillway, at 102 feet wide, helps regulate water flow, with a maximum discharge of 3480 cubic feet per second. Despite its age, the dam is in satisfactory condition and undergoes regular inspections to ensure safety and compliance with state regulations.

Water and climate enthusiasts will find Mesa Park to be a hidden gem in the Fourmile Canyon Creek watershed, offering a unique blend of recreational opportunities and environmental benefits. Its historical significance, combined with its modern safety measures and regulatory oversight, make Mesa Park a must-visit destination for those interested in water management and conservation efforts in the region.

Year Completed

1907

Dam Length

1245

Dam Height

23

River Or Stream

FOURMILE CANYON CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

21

Hydraulic Height

17

Nid Storage

260

Structural Height

25

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

25
       
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.