Soda Lake #1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Soda Lake #1 is a privately owned dam located in Lakewood, Colorado, with a primary purpose of water supply for irrigation and other uses.


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Summary

Completed in 1977, this earth dam stands at a height of 30 feet and has a length of 800 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 315 acre-feet. The dam is situated on Bear Creek-OS river and has a surface area of 23 acres, serving as a crucial water resource for the surrounding area.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Soda Lake #1 is considered to have a high risk due to its condition not being rated and lacking updated emergency action plans. The last inspection conducted on this dam was in 1990, with a risk assessment of 2 on a scale of 1 to 5. With a drainage area of 0 square miles, the dam plays a vital role in managing water resources in Jefferson County, Colorado, and its surrounding areas. Enthusiasts of water resource management and climate change will find Soda Lake #1 a fascinating structure to study in terms of its design, purpose, and overall risk assessment.

Year Completed

1977

Dam Length

800

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

BEAR CREEK-OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

23

Hydraulic Height

30

Nid Storage

315

Structural Height

30

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

30
       
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.