Silver Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Silver Lake, located in Boulder, Colorado, is a vital water supply reservoir managed by the local government.


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Summary

Built in 1887, this Earth dam stands at a height of 70 feet, with a storage capacity of 4,819 acre-feet and a surface area of 104 acres. The dam, situated on North Boulder Creek, serves as a key source for water supply purposes in the region, with a maximum discharge capacity of 8,370 cubic feet per second.

With a high hazard potential but a satisfactory condition assessment as of August 2020, Silver Lake is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the Colorado Department of Water Resources. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 100 feet and five valve outlet gates. Despite its age, Silver Lake has undergone modifications over the years to meet safety standards and is subject to regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and functionality. The reservoir's risk assessment indicates a moderate level (3) of risk, prompting the need for ongoing risk management measures to safeguard the surrounding community and environment.

Year Completed

1887

Dam Length

1450

Dam Height

70

River Or Stream

NORTH BOULDER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

104

Hydraulic Height

62

Drainage Area

8

Nid Storage

4819

Structural Height

70

Outlet Gates

Valve - 5

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

70
       
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.