Angel Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Angel Lake, located in Weld County, Colorado, is a private water resource with a primary purpose of irrigation.


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Summary

This Earth-type dam, completed in 1899, stands at a height of 16 feet and has a length of 2000 feet, providing a storage capacity of 721 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity.

With a significant hazard potential but a satisfactory condition assessment, Angel Lake serves as a vital water source for the surrounding area, particularly for agricultural irrigation. The dam is situated on the Cache la Poudre River and has a spillway width of 2 feet. Despite its age, the dam has been well-maintained and meets regulatory guidelines for state permitting, inspection, and enforcement.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Angel Lake offers a glimpse into the historical development of water infrastructure in Colorado and the ongoing efforts to manage and maintain these essential resources. As an Earth-type dam with moderate risk assessment, the lake provides a case study in balancing water management needs with environmental and safety considerations in a changing climate context.

Year Completed

1899

Dam Length

2000

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

CACHE LA POUDRE-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

50

Hydraulic Height

16

Nid Storage

721

Structural Height

16

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

16
       
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.