Horsetooth - Satanka Dike Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Horsetooth-Satanka Dike is a vital water resource infrastructure located in Larimer, Colorado, managed by the Bureau of Reclamation.


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Summary

Completed in 1949, this earth dam stands at a height of 33 feet and serves primarily for irrigation purposes, storing a maximum capacity of 170,370 acre-feet of water. With a normal storage capacity of 156,735 acre-feet and a surface area of 1,900 acres, this dam plays a crucial role in water supply management in the region.

The dam, situated in Fort Collins, Colorado, has a high hazard potential and is regulated by the Bureau of Reclamation, with inspection, permitting, and enforcement conducted by the same agency. The structure is associated with three other structures and is subject to regular inspections to ensure its safety and integrity. The risk assessment for the dam is rated as high (2), emphasizing the importance of ongoing monitoring and risk management measures to prevent any potential disasters.

Despite its age, Horsetooth-Satanka Dike continues to play a key role in water management in the region, highlighting the significance of maintaining and monitoring critical infrastructure to ensure the safety and sustainability of water resources in Colorado. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, the proper maintenance and regulation of dams like this one are essential for meeting the water supply needs of the local community and ensuring resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1949

Dam Length

348

Dam Height

33

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1900

Hydraulic Height

12

Drainage Area

17

Nid Storage

170370

Structural Height

30

Hazard Potential

High

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.