Clarks Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Clarks Lake, also known as North Poudre #12 & #13 and Mtn Supply #12, is a privately owned reservoir located in Larimer County, Colorado, near the city of Wellington.


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Summary

This Earth-type dam was completed in 1904 for irrigation purposes, with a height of 26 feet and a storage capacity of 1985 acre-feet. The reservoir covers an area of 250 acres and is fed by the North Fork Poudre river.

Despite its age, Clarks Lake has been well-maintained, with regular inspections and satisfactory condition assessments. The dam has a significant hazard potential, but the risk is considered moderate with appropriate risk management measures in place. The spillway is uncontrolled with a width of 305 feet, and the maximum discharge capacity is 6421 cubic feet per second.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Clarks Lake to be a fascinating example of early 20th-century irrigation infrastructure in Colorado. Its historical significance, engineering design, and ongoing management practices make it a valuable case study for understanding the intersection of water resources and climate resilience in the region.

Year Completed

1904

Dam Length

2500

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

NORTH FORK POUDRE

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

250

Hydraulic Height

25

Drainage Area

1

Nid Storage

1985

Structural Height

33

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

33
       
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.