Richards Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Richards is a private water structure located in Larimer County, Colorado, specifically in the city of Fort Collins.


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Summary

Built in 1904, Richards serves primarily for irrigation purposes along the Cache la Poudre River. This Earth-type dam stands at a height of 21 feet and has a storage capacity of 950 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 515 acre-feet over a surface area of 68 acres.

Despite being classified with a high hazard potential, Richards is currently in satisfactory condition as of its last inspection in June 2020. It is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, ensuring its compliance with state regulations and safety standards. The dam has a moderate risk assessment of 3 and is under the jurisdiction of the state for emergency action planning and risk management.

Richards is a vital component of the water resource infrastructure in the area, providing essential irrigation benefits while also posing a significant hazard potential that requires careful monitoring and management. With its location along the Cache la Poudre River and its satisfactory condition, Richards represents a key piece of the water management puzzle in Larimer County, highlighting the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience in the region.

Year Completed

1904

Dam Length

2000

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

CACHE LA POUDRE RIVER-OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

68

Hydraulic Height

21

Nid Storage

950

Structural Height

21

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

21
       
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.