North Poudre # 3 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

North Poudre # 3 is a privately owned Earth dam located in Larimer County, Colorado, specifically in the city of Wellington.


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Summary

Completed in 1980, this irrigation dam stands at a height of 39 feet and spans a length of 1600 feet, with a storage capacity of 4225 acre-feet. The dam holds back water from the Boxelder Creek-TR, with a maximum discharge capacity of 9000 cfs.

With a high hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment as of June 2020, North Poudre # 3 is regulated by the Colorado Division of Water Resources, ensuring that it undergoes regular inspections, permitting, and enforcement measures to maintain its integrity and safety. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 300 feet, and it is designed to serve the primary purpose of irrigation for the surrounding area.

Despite being designated as a moderate risk (level 3) structure, North Poudre # 3 operates within established guidelines and meets regulatory requirements. This dam plays a crucial role in water management and agricultural irrigation in the region, highlighting the importance of sustainable water resource management practices in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1980

Dam Length

1600

Dam Height

39

River Or Stream

BOXELDER CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

229

Hydraulic Height

39

Drainage Area

3

Nid Storage

4225

Structural Height

39

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

39
       
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.