Steele Brothers #2 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Steele Brothers #2, also known as Steele's Lake #2, is a local government-owned irrigation dam located in Boulder, Colorado.


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Summary

Built in 1900, this earth dam stands at 13 feet high and stretches 490 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 50 acre-feet. Situated along Dry Creek, this dam serves the primary purpose of irrigation for the surrounding area, with a low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment.

Managed by the Nebraska-based Omaha District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Steele Brothers #2 is regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, ensuring regular inspections and enforcement of safety measures. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam poses a moderate risk level, prompting the need for ongoing risk management measures. With a controlled spillway and uncontrolled spillway type, this dam is equipped to handle maximum discharges of up to 30 cubic feet per second, providing a vital water resource for agricultural activities in the region.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the intersection of infrastructure and environmental sustainability can appreciate the historical significance and functional importance of Steele Brothers #2. As a key element in the irrigation network of Boulder County, this dam represents a balance between water management for agricultural needs and the preservation of natural ecosystems along Dry Creek. Ongoing monitoring and risk assessment efforts aim to ensure the continued safety and efficiency of this essential water resource structure in the region.

Year Completed

1900

Dam Length

490

Dam Height

13

River Or Stream

DRY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4

Hydraulic Height

13

Nid Storage

50

Structural Height

13

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

13
       
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.