Oligarchy #1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Oligarchy #1, also known as Burch Lake, is a privately owned irrigation dam located in Boulder, Colorado.


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Summary

Built in 1889, this earth dam stands at a height of 29 feet and has a storage capacity of 2161 acre-feet, primarily used for irrigation purposes. The dam is situated on the St. Vrain Creek-OS and is regulated by the Colorado Division of Water Resources, with inspections and enforcement measures in place to ensure its safety and functionality.

With a spillway width of 167 feet and a maximum discharge of 1580 cubic feet per second, Oligarchy #1 poses a significant hazard potential but has been assessed as satisfactory in condition as of May 2020. The dam underwent modifications in 1988 for its foundation and in 2004 for its structural integrity. Despite its moderate risk assessment, the dam's risk management measures and emergency action plan readiness are not explicitly outlined in the available data. Owned and operated privately, this historic irrigation structure plays a crucial role in water resource management in the Longmont area.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Oligarchy #1 serves as a fascinating example of a privately owned irrigation dam with a long history of providing essential water storage for agricultural purposes. Its design and construction details, as well as its regulatory oversight and risk assessment, offer valuable insights into the intersection of water infrastructure management and environmental stewardship. As discussions around water scarcity and climate change continue to shape policy and practice, understanding the complexities of dams like Oligarchy #1 becomes increasingly important in ensuring sustainable water resource management for future generations.

Years Modified

1988 - Foundation, 2004 - Structural

Year Completed

1889

Dam Length

1040

Dam Height

29

River Or Stream

ST. VRAIN CREEK-OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

97

Hydraulic Height

28

Nid Storage

2161

Structural Height

33

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

33
       
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.