Handy Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Handy, also known as Welch Reservoir, is a privately owned water resource located in Larimer, Colorado.


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Summary

This reservoir serves multiple purposes, including irrigation, fish and wildlife pond management, and water supply. Completed in 1915, Handy's earth dam stands at a height of 34 feet and spans a length of 5360 feet, with a storage capacity of 9336 acre-feet and a surface area of 474 acres.

Managed by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, Handy is regulated, inspected, and enforced for safety standards, with a fair condition assessment as of August 2020. The reservoir has a high hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating. In case of emergencies, an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is in place and regularly reviewed to meet safety guidelines.

Located near Berthoud and serviced by the Dry Creek-OS water source, Handy plays a vital role in the region's water management. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate can appreciate the historical significance and current importance of Handy in sustaining irrigation, wildlife habitats, and water supply in the area.

Year Completed

1915

Dam Length

5360

Dam Height

34

River Or Stream

DRY CREEK-OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

474

Hydraulic Height

34

Drainage Area

1

Nid Storage

9336

Structural Height

34

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

34
       
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.