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