Independent is a privately owned dam located in Boulder, Colorado, specifically in the city of Longmont along the St.
Wind
Humidity
Vrain Creek. Built in 1903 for irrigation purposes, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 12 feet and has a length of 822 feet, with a storage capacity of 260 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, Independent is regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, which conducts regular inspections and enforces state regulations to ensure its safety and compliance.
The dam boasts a moderate risk assessment rating, indicating a level 3 risk level, although the emergency action plan status and risk management measures are currently unspecified. The spillway of Independent is uncontrolled with a width of 83 feet, allowing for a maximum discharge of 562 cubic feet per second. The dam's last inspection in June 2019 revealed no significant issues, reflecting its overall sound structural integrity and operational reliability.
Located within the Omaha District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Independent serves as a vital water resource for irrigation purposes in the region. With its historical significance dating back over a century, this dam continues to play a crucial role in water management and agriculture in the area, under the supervision and oversight of state regulatory agencies.
Year Completed |
1903 |
Dam Length |
822 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
ST. VRAIN CREEK-OS |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
32 |
Hydraulic Height |
9 |
Nid Storage |
260 |
Structural Height |
12 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
12 |
St. Vrain Creek At Lyons
|
27cfs |
Left Hand Creek At Hover Road Near Longmont
|
2cfs |
Left Hand Creek Near Boulder
|
-999cfs |
St. Vrain Creek Below Longmont
|
-999999cfs |
Boulder Creek At Mouth
|
47cfs |
Boulder Cr At North 75th St Nr Boulder
|
13cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Meadow Park
|
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Boulder County Fairground
|
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Union Reservoir
|
||
Carter Lake - South Side Campgrounds
|
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St. Vrain State Park
|
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North Pine Campground
|