Leyden Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Jefferson County, Colorado, the Leyden Dam, also known as Farmers Highline No 3, was completed in 1902 for the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along Leyden Creek.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 37 feet and has a structural height of 47 feet, with a length of 1,545 feet and a storage capacity of 1,300 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its safety and effectiveness in flood control.

With a hazard potential rated as high, the Leyden Dam has been assessed as satisfactory in its condition as of the last inspection in February 2020. The dam's risk assessment is moderate, indicating a level 3 risk, and it falls under the jurisdiction of the Omaha District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. In case of emergencies, there is a need for an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) to be prepared and regularly reviewed. Overall, Leyden Dam serves not only as a flood risk reduction measure but also provides recreational opportunities for the community in Arvada while being a critical component of water resource management in the region.

Year Completed

1902

Dam Length

1545

Dam Height

37

River Or Stream

LEYDEN CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

19

Hydraulic Height

37

Drainage Area

9

Nid Storage

1300

Structural Height

47

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

47
       
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.