Floodwater Ret. B-3 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Floodwater Ret. B-4 Box Elder #5
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Floodwater Retention B-3 is a privately owned earth dam located in Larimer County, Colorado, near the city of Wellington.
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Summary
Completed in 1979 by the USDA NRCS, this dam stands at a height of 50 feet and has a length of 3000 feet, with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction along Coal Creek. With a storage capacity of 6015 acre-feet and a drainage area of 60 square miles, this dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flood hazards in the region.
Despite its high hazard potential, Floodwater Retention B-3 has been assessed as satisfactory in terms of condition, with the last inspection taking place in September 2019. The dam does not have a spillway but is equipped with outlet gates and has a maximum discharge capacity of 17,000 cubic feet per second. The risk assessment for this structure is classified as high, highlighting the importance of regular inspections and maintenance to ensure its continued effectiveness in flood risk reduction.
With its strategic location and significant storage capacity, Floodwater Retention B-3 serves as a vital asset in managing flood risks in Larimer County. As climate change continues to impact precipitation patterns and increase the frequency of extreme weather events, structures like this earth dam play a crucial role in protecting communities and infrastructure from the devastating effects of flooding.
Year Completed |
1979 |
Dam Length |
3000 |
Dam Height |
50 |
River Or Stream |
COAL CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
272 |
Hydraulic Height |
50 |
Drainage Area |
60 |
Nid Storage |
6015 |
Structural Height |
55 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
55 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Floodwater Ret. B-3