Bowles #2 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bowles #2 is a private earth dam located in Hudson, Adams County, Colorado, built in 1908 for irrigation purposes along the Bowles Seep Canal.


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Summary

With a height of 9 feet and a hydraulic height of 8 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 635 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 30 acre-feet. The dam spans 350 feet in length and covers a surface area of 15 acres, serving as a vital water resource for the surrounding agricultural community.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Bowles #2 is subject to state regulation and inspection by the Colorado Department of Water Resources. The dam has a moderate risk rating of 3, indicating the potential for some level of risk. The last inspection date was in September 1996, with an inspection frequency of every 6 years. While the dam's condition is currently not rated, it remains an essential infrastructure for water management in the region, emphasizing the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its safety and functionality for future generations of water resource and climate enthusiasts.

Year Completed

1908

Dam Length

350

Dam Height

9

River Or Stream

BOWLES SEEP CANAL

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

15

Hydraulic Height

8

Nid Storage

635

Structural Height

9

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

9
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.