North Star Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

North Star is a privately owned dam located in Weld County, Colorado, along Big Dry Creek-OS.


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Summary

Built in 1896 for irrigation purposes, this 16-foot high earth dam provides storage for 213 acre-feet of water with a normal storage capacity of 129 acre-feet. The dam spans 1700 feet in length and covers a surface area of 25 acres, serving as a vital resource for water management in the region.

Despite its age, North Star dam is assessed to be in fair condition with a low hazard potential. It has a controlled spillway with a width of 5 feet and a maximum discharge rate of 60 cubic feet per second. The dam is subject to regular inspections by the state regulatory agency, DWR, ensuring its ongoing safety and compliance with state permitting and enforcement standards. Its risk assessment is moderate, indicating a need for continued monitoring and risk management measures to safeguard against potential hazards.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, North Star represents a historical piece of Colorado's water infrastructure that continues to play a crucial role in irrigation and water storage. Its location in the heart of the state's agricultural region underscores the importance of maintaining and managing such structures to ensure sustainable water resource management for the future. With a focus on safety and risk management, North Star stands as a testament to the intersection of human ingenuity and natural resource utilization in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1896

Dam Length

1700

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

BIG DRY CREEK-OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

25

Hydraulic Height

16

Nid Storage

213

Structural Height

16

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

16
       
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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.