Douglas Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Douglas is a privately owned dam located in Larimer, Colorado, with a primary purpose of irrigation.


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Summary

Completed in 1901, this earthen dam stands at a height of 39 feet and has a hydraulic height of 47 feet, providing storage of up to 13,324 acre-feet of water from Dry Creek. With a surface area of 565 acres and a drainage area of 43 square miles, Douglas plays a crucial role in supporting fish and wildlife ponds in addition to its irrigation function.

Managed by the Colorado Division of Water Resources (DWR), Douglas is regulated and inspected by state authorities to ensure its safety and compliance with standards. The dam has a spillway width of 642 feet, and its high hazard potential is mitigated by satisfactory condition assessments. Although classified as having a moderate risk level, Douglas has not been modified in recent years and is equipped to handle a maximum discharge of 39,750 cubic feet per second, making it a key component of water resource management in the region.

Located just 8 miles from Fort Collins, Douglas serves as a vital water infrastructure in the area, contributing to the resilience of the local ecosystem and agricultural activities. With its historical significance dating back over a century, this dam continues to play a crucial role in water storage, irrigation, and wildlife habitat enhancement along Dry Creek. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Douglas represents a blend of engineering ingenuity and environmental stewardship in the management of vital water resources in Colorado.

Year Completed

1901

Dam Length

3700

Dam Height

39

River Or Stream

DRY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

565

Hydraulic Height

47

Drainage Area

43

Nid Storage

13324

Structural Height

47

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

47
       
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.