Highland Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Highland, also known as Highland Lake, is a private water resource located in Mead, Colorado.


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Summary

This dam serves primarily for irrigation purposes, with a capacity of 410 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 410 acre-feet. Completed in 1900, the Highland dam is an earth structure standing at 17 feet tall and spanning 960 feet in length. It is regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, ensuring regular inspections and enforcement of safety measures.

Even though Highland is categorized as having a low hazard potential, its condition assessment in 2015 was marked as unsatisfactory. With an inspection frequency of 6 years, the dam's risk assessment is moderate, indicating potential areas for improvement in risk management. The spillway type for Highland is uncontrolled with a width of 20 feet, serving as a crucial safety feature during times of high water flow. Overall, Highland presents an intriguing case study for water resource and climate enthusiasts, highlighting the importance of maintaining and managing dams for sustainable water usage in the region.

Year Completed

1900

Dam Length

960

Dam Height

17

River Or Stream

ST. VRAIN CREEK-OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

47

Hydraulic Height

15

Nid Storage

410

Structural Height

17

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

17
       
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.