Section 35 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Section 35, located in Dacono, Colorado, is a privately-owned irrigation dam on Big Dry Creek.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Completed in 1900, this earth dam stands at a height of 10 feet and stretches 550 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 197 acre-feet. The dam serves the primary purpose of irrigation and has a low hazard potential, with a satisfactory condition assessment as of September 2013.

Despite its age, Section 35 remains regulated and permitted by the Colorado Division of Water Resources, ensuring ongoing inspection, enforcement, and compliance with state regulations. With a maximum discharge of 1052 cubic feet per second and a normal storage capacity of 57 acre-feet, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the Broomfield County area. While the risk assessment indicates a high level of risk (2), the dam's emergency action plan status and risk management measures remain undisclosed.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Section 35 to be a significant piece of infrastructure in Colorado's water management system. Its historical significance, ongoing regulation, and vital role in irrigation make it a noteworthy structure worth monitoring for those interested in the intersection of water resources, infrastructure, and climate resilience in the region.

Year Completed

1900

Dam Length

550

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

BIG DRY CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9

Hydraulic Height

10

Drainage Area

4

Nid Storage

197

Structural Height

10

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

10
       
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.
View more

Area Campgrounds