Bass Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bass is a privately owned irrigation dam located in Weld County, Colorado, near the city of Platteville.


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Summary

Built in 1896, this earth dam stands at 18 feet in height and stretches 520 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 125 acre-feet. The primary purpose of Bass Dam is to provide water for irrigation in the surrounding area, drawing from the Howlett Gulch-Tr river or stream.

Despite being over a century old, Bass Dam has a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its current condition. The last inspection took place in October 1984, with a scheduled inspection frequency of 6 years. While the risk assessment indicates a high risk level (2), there are no specific risk management measures or emergency action plans in place for this structure. With its historical significance and continued importance for local irrigation, the future maintenance and assessment of Bass Dam will be crucial for water resource and climate enthusiasts in the region.

Year Completed

1896

Dam Length

520

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

HOWLETT GULCH-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

15

Hydraulic Height

18

Drainage Area

2

Nid Storage

125

Structural Height

18

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

18
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.