Bergen West Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bergen West, also known as Bergen #1, is a private dam located in Jefferson County, Colorado, near the city of Lakewood.


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Summary

Built in 1888 for irrigation purposes on the Weaver Gulch river, this earth dam stands at a height of 25 feet and has a storage capacity of 505 acre-feet. With a surface area of 34 acres and a maximum discharge of 2110 cubic feet per second, Bergen West plays a significant role in water resource management in the region.

Despite being a privately owned structure, Bergen West is regulated and permitted by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, with regular inspections ensuring its safe operation. The dam has a spillway width of 92 feet and is classified as having a significant hazard potential, although its overall condition is assessed as fair. In 2000, structural modifications were made to enhance the dam's safety and performance, reflecting a commitment to maintaining its integrity and functionality for the surrounding community.

With its historic significance and continued importance for irrigation and recreational purposes, Bergen West serves as a vital component of the local water infrastructure. As climate change impacts water resources, structures like Bergen West play a crucial role in managing and utilizing water sustainably, highlighting the intersection of water management and climate resilience in the region.

Years Modified

2000 - Structural

Year Completed

1888

Dam Length

500

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

WEAVER GULCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

34

Hydraulic Height

15

Nid Storage

505

Structural Height

20

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

25
       
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.