De France Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

De France Reservoir, located in Weld County, Colorado, is a privately owned earth dam structure built in 1883 primarily for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

The reservoir has a storage capacity of 350 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 260 acre-feet and a surface area of 25 acres. Situated along the Little Thompson River, the dam stands at a height of 15 feet and stretches for 960 feet in length.

Managed by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, De France Reservoir is subject to state regulatory oversight, including permitting, inspection, and enforcement measures to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment, the reservoir is considered to have moderate risk (rated 3 out of 5) based on a risk assessment conducted.

The surrounding area benefits from the reservoir for irrigation, fire protection, stock watering, and small fish pond purposes. The dam's uncontrolled spillway with a width of 10 feet can handle a maximum discharge of 450 cubic feet per second. With its historical significance dating back over a century, De France Reservoir remains an important water resource in the region for both agricultural and recreational activities.

Year Completed

1883

Dam Length

960

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

LITTLE THOMPSON RIVER-OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

25

Hydraulic Height

15

Nid Storage

350

Structural Height

15

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

15
       
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.