Laune Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 4, 2025

Laune, also known as N.


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Summary

Delaney Butte Lake, is a private water resource located in Cowdrey, Colorado, within the beautiful Jackson County. This reservoir sits along the Roaring Fork River and serves multiple purposes, including irrigation, fire protection, stock watering, and recreation. Built in 1971, Laune is an earth dam standing at 27 feet tall and spanning 460 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 4496 acre-feet and a surface area of 258 acres, this reservoir plays a crucial role in water management in the region.

Managed by the Colorado Division of Water Resources, Laune is regulated, inspected, and enforced to ensure its safety and functionality. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam's condition was assessed as fair during the last inspection in 2016. The risk assessment for Laune indicates a moderate level of risk, with measures in place to manage any potential hazards. Water and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the significance of Laune in maintaining water supply, supporting agriculture, and enhancing recreational opportunities in the area.

With its tranquil setting and vital role in water resource management, Laune is a noteworthy feature in Colorado's landscape. The reservoir's presence along the Roaring Fork River adds to the scenic beauty of the region while serving practical purposes for irrigation and other water-related activities. As climate change continues to impact water resources, monitoring and maintaining structures like Laune become increasingly important to ensure sustainable water use and resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1971

Dam Length

460

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

ROARING FORK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

258

Hydraulic Height

26

Drainage Area

1

Nid Storage

4496

Structural Height

27

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

27
       
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.