North Poudre # 2 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

North Poudre #2, also known as Demmel Lake, is a privately owned irrigation dam located in Larimer County, Colorado.


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Summary

Completed in 1955, this earth dam stands at a height of 33 feet and has a storage capacity of 4,450 acre-feet. With a surface area of 295 acres and a drainage area of 5 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in water resource management along the Cache La Poudre River.

The dam has been modified several times over the years, with hydraulic and structural upgrades in 1955 and further improvements in 1990. Its spillway, with a width of 350 feet, is uncontrolled, allowing for the safe release of excess water during periods of high discharge. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam's condition is assessed as satisfactory following the latest inspection in June 2020.

North Poudre #2 serves as a vital infrastructure for irrigation purposes in the region, impacting water availability and agricultural activities in the surrounding areas. With its strategic location and capacity to store water, the dam embodies the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience, highlighting the importance of maintaining and monitoring such structures to ensure the safety and sustainability of water systems in Colorado.

Years Modified

1955 - Hydraulic, 1990 - Hydraulic, 1990 - Mechanical, 1990 - Structural

Year Completed

1955

Dam Length

1900

Dam Height

33

River Or Stream

CACHE LA POUDRE RIVER-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

295

Hydraulic Height

26

Drainage Area

5

Nid Storage

4450

Structural Height

28

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

33
       
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.