Ward #1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Ward #1 is a privately owned earth dam located in Lakewood, Colorado, along the Sanderson Gulch.


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Summary

Built in 1888 for irrigation purposes, this 13-foot high structure boasts a storage capacity of 730 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 520 acre-feet. With a surface area of 53 acres and a length of 1550 feet, Ward #1 has been assessed to have low hazard potential and is deemed to be in satisfactory condition as of the last inspection in July 2005.

Managed by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, Ward #1 falls under state jurisdiction and is subject to regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement by the state agency. The dam has a spillway type of uncontrolled and a spillway width of 3 feet, with a maximum discharge capacity of 27 cubic feet per second. Although the risk assessment categorizes Ward #1 as moderate, measures for risk management and emergency action planning have not been fully detailed.

With its historical significance dating back over a century, Ward #1 stands as a testament to early water resource management efforts in Colorado. As climate change impacts water availability and usage patterns, the preservation and maintenance of such structures become crucial for ensuring sustainable water management practices in the region. Enthusiasts and stakeholders interested in the intersection of water resources, climate, and infrastructure will find Ward #1 a fascinating case study in the evolution of water infrastructure in the state.

Year Completed

1888

Dam Length

1550

Dam Height

13

River Or Stream

SANDERSON GULCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

53

Hydraulic Height

13

Nid Storage

730

Structural Height

13

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

13
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.