Horsetooth - Dixon Canyon Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Horsetooth - Dixon Canyon is a Federal-owned water resource structure located in Larimer County, Colorado.


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Summary

This irrigation dam, completed in 1949, serves the primary purpose of providing water for agricultural needs in the area. With a height of 245 feet and a storage capacity of 170,370 acre-feet, this Earth-type dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.

Managed by the Bureau of Reclamation, Horsetooth - Dixon Canyon is subject to state regulations and inspections to ensure its safety and compliance with water management guidelines. The dam's hazard potential is considered high, reflecting the importance of maintaining its structural integrity and readiness for emergency situations. Despite its high risk assessment, the condition assessment of the dam is currently not available, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and evaluation to safeguard this vital water resource.

In the event of an emergency, the dam does not have designated inundation maps or an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place. However, the presence of associated structures and regular inspections by the Bureau of Reclamation contribute to the overall management and risk mitigation efforts for Horsetooth - Dixon Canyon. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the importance of maintaining and enhancing the resilience of structures like this dam becomes increasingly evident in ensuring sustainable water management for the future.

Year Completed

1949

Dam Length

1265

Dam Height

245

River Or Stream

CACHE LA POUDRE TR, DIXON CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1900

Hydraulic Height

215

Drainage Area

17

Nid Storage

170370

Structural Height

240

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

245
       
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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.