German #12 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

German #12 is a historic irrigation dam located in Weld County, Colorado, along Big Dry Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1887, this earth dam stands at a height of 11 feet and stretches 750 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 119 acre-feet, it primarily serves the purpose of irrigation, while also providing fire protection, stock management, and recreational opportunities. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam poses a high risk due to its condition not being rated and the lack of emergency action preparedness.

Owned privately, German #12 is regulated by the Colorado Division of Water Resources and undergoes regular inspections and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations. The dam has not been modified in recent years and does not have a spillway, locks, or associated structures. Although the risk assessment for this dam is considered high, with a hazard potential of 2 on a scale of 1 to 4, there is no detailed risk management plan or emergency action preparedness in place, raising concerns for potential safety issues in the future. Water resource and climate enthusiasts may be interested in monitoring the condition and management of German #12 to prevent any potential hazards and ensure the sustainable use of this important irrigation infrastructure.

Year Completed

1887

Dam Length

750

Dam Height

11

River Or Stream

BIG DRY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9

Hydraulic Height

11

Nid Storage

119

Structural Height

11

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

11
       
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.