Waneka dam
Waneka
Waneka, also known as Plant Lake, Miller & Harmon Reservoir, is a captivating water resource nestled in Lafayette, Colorado. Managed by the local government, Waneka serves as a recreational haven for enthusiasts seeking outdoor adventures. The reservoir, completed in 1865, boasts an impressive 838 acre-feet of storage capacity and covers a surface area of 55 acres, making it a popular spot for water and climate enthusiasts to explore and enjoy.
With a dam height of 27 feet and a spillway width of 40 feet, Waneka is equipped to manage high hazard potential with a satisfactory condition assessment. The reservoir is state-regulated and undergoes regular inspections, ensuring safety and functionality for all visitors. In the event of emergencies, Waneka has emergency action plans in place, meeting guidelines and ensuring preparedness for any unforeseen incidents.
For those interested in water resource management and the intersection of climate and infrastructure, Waneka offers a fascinating case study. From its historical completion in the 19th century to its modern-day recreational purposes, Waneka exemplifies the importance of sustainable water management and the integration of safety measures to protect both the reservoir and surrounding communities.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Waneka -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Boulder Cr At North 75th St Nr Boulder | 53 cfs | → |
| Big Dry Creek At Westminster | 1 cfs | → |
| Left Hand Creek At Hover Road Near Longmont | 1 cfs | → |
| Fourmile Creek At Orodell | 2 cfs | → |
| Boulder Creek Near Orodell | 65 cfs | → |
| Coal Creek Near Plainview | 1 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Waneka.
Boat launches
- Standley Lake Trail Westminster
- Lagerman Trail Boulder County
- West 69th Avenue 4700, Westminster
- Ralston Creek Trail Arvada
- Miramonte Road Boulder County
- Brighton
Campgrounds
Fishing spots
Paddle runs
- Lower Boulder Canyon
- October Hole
- Upper South Boulder Creek
- Golden Whitewater Park
- Black Bear Hole & A-Hole
More reservoirs
Track Waneka in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Waneka
Where does the data for Waneka come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the High hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Waneka.