South Side, also known as Bud Mielke Reservoir, is a private irrigation dam located in Larimer County, Colorado.
Wind
Humidity
Completed in 1921, this earth dam stands at a height of 31 feet and has a storage capacity of 1,019 acre-feet, primarily serving the purpose of irrigation. Situated on the Big Thompson River, South Side covers a surface area of 66 acres and has a drainage area of 4 square miles.
This dam has a significant hazard potential and undergoes regular inspections, with its condition assessed as satisfactory as of August 2019. The spillway is uncontrolled with a width of 100 feet, and the maximum discharge capacity is reported to be 4,930 cubic feet per second. While the risk assessment is moderate, there is no designated emergency action plan prepared for this structure as of the last update in July 2007.
Owned privately, South Side plays a crucial role in water resource management in the Loveland area. With its historical significance and continued impact on irrigation practices, this reservoir stands as a testament to the engineering feats of the past while navigating the challenges of climate change and evolving regulatory requirements.
Year Completed |
1921 |
Dam Length |
630 |
Dam Height |
31 |
River Or Stream |
BIG THOMPSON RIVER-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
66 |
Hydraulic Height |
26 |
Drainage Area |
4 |
Nid Storage |
1019 |
Structural Height |
31 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
31 |