Dixon Canyon Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Dixon Canyon, located in Larimer County, Colorado, is a historic earth dam constructed in 1885 for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

With a dam height of 14 feet and a length of 975 feet, this structure has a storage capacity of 700 acre-feet and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and small fish pond management. The dam is situated on Dixon Creek, providing vital water resources to the surrounding agricultural lands in the area.

Managed by the local government, Dixon Canyon Dam is regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, ensuring its compliance with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement regulations. Despite its significant hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2020 deemed it satisfactory, with a moderate risk rating. The dam has an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 20 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 643 cubic feet per second, further highlighting its importance for water resource management and flood control in the region.

With its rich history, multiple uses, and strategic location in the Fort Collins area, Dixon Canyon Dam stands as a testament to the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience. As a key infrastructure for irrigation and water supply, this earth dam plays a crucial role in supporting agriculture and wildlife in the surrounding area while also addressing the need for fire protection and emergency preparedness. Its continued maintenance and risk management measures are essential for ensuring the sustainable use of water resources in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1885

Dam Length

975

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

DIXON CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

65

Hydraulic Height

14

Nid Storage

700

Structural Height

14

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

14
       
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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.