Margaret Spurgeon #1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 4, 2025

Margaret Spurgeon #1 is a vital public utility dam located in Boulder, Colorado, with a primary purpose of irrigation.


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Summary

Built in 1963, this earth dam stands at a height of 32 feet and has a storage capacity of 350 acre-feet. The dam has a significant hazard potential but is currently in satisfactory condition, as assessed in October 2020.

The dam, designed by BURNS AND MCDONNELL, DOUGLAS STRAWN, and KENNETH ROLLIN, spans 2800 feet and impounds Dry Creek-TR. It features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 120 feet and has undergone modifications in 1976 and 2006 to improve its hydraulic functionality. Despite its moderate risk rating, the dam meets regulatory requirements for inspection, enforcement, and permitting by the Colorado Department of Water Resources.

Margaret Spurgeon #1 plays a crucial role in water supply and irrigation in the region, serving as a key infrastructure for managing water resources in Boulder County. With its strategic location and design, this dam continues to support agricultural and water supply needs while adhering to state regulations and ensuring public safety.

Years Modified

1976 - Hydraulic, 2006 - Hydraulic

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

2800

Dam Height

32

River Or Stream

DRY CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

18

Hydraulic Height

33

Drainage Area

1

Nid Storage

350

Structural Height

42

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

42
       
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.