Ladora Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Ladora, also known as Ladora Lake, is a Federal-owned water resource located in Commerce City, Colorado.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers, this irrigation reservoir was completed in 1942 and serves multiple purposes including fish and wildlife support, irrigation, and water supply. With a dam height of 23 feet and a storage capacity of 510 acre-feet, Ladora Lake covers a surface area of 48 acres and has a drainage area of 16 square miles.

The dam at Ladora is primarily an earth structure with a stone core foundation, standing at a structural height of 27 feet. It is regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources and inspected by the US Army Corps of Engineers. The reservoir has a spillway width of 100 feet and is equipped with uncontrolled vertical lift outlet gates. With a significant hazard potential, Ladora is subject to regular inspections and maintenance to ensure its safety and functionality.

Ladora's location in Adams County, Colorado, makes it a vital resource for the surrounding communities, supporting agricultural activities and providing habitat for wildlife. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the management and upkeep of reservoirs like Ladora become increasingly important in ensuring water security and resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Years Modified

1998 - Structural

Year Completed

1942

Dam Length

1220

Dam Height

23

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

48

Hydraulic Height

16

Drainage Area

16

Nid Storage

510

Structural Height

27

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled, Vertical Lift

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

27
       
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.