Hiawatha Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Hiawatha, also known as Mitchell #1, is a private fish and wildlife pond located in Larimer County, Colorado.


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Summary

Built in 1888, this earth dam stands at a height of 14 feet with a length of 390 feet, providing a storage capacity of 580 acre-feet. The dam serves multiple purposes including fish and wildlife habitat, irrigation, and recreation, making it a vital resource for the local ecosystem.

Managed by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, Hiawatha is regularly inspected and maintained to ensure its structural integrity and safety. With a significant hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment, the dam poses a moderate risk that is being actively managed to mitigate any potential threats. In case of emergencies, the dam is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway and emergency action plans are in place to address any unforeseen events.

Located in Fort Collins and nestled along Columbine Creek, Hiawatha is not only a historical landmark but also a crucial component of the region's water resource infrastructure. Its role in supporting wildlife, agriculture, and recreational activities underscores the importance of responsible dam management in the face of changing climate patterns and increasing water demands.

Year Completed

1888

Dam Length

390

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

COLUMBINE CR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

40

Hydraulic Height

14

Nid Storage

580

Structural Height

14

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

14
       
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.