Cozzens Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cozzens Dam, located in Weld County, Colorado, is a privately owned structure primarily used for irrigation purposes on the Cache la Poudre River.


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Summary

Built in 1902, this earth dam stands at a height of 17 feet and spans 1200 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 450 acre-feet. Its spillway, classified as uncontrolled, has a width of 90 feet.

Despite being assessed as having a low hazard potential and satisfactory condition, Cozzens Dam's risk assessment indicates a moderate level of risk. The dam is regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources (DWR) and undergoes regular state inspections and enforcement measures to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. The last inspection took place in December 2008 with a recommended inspection frequency of every 6 years.

Cozzens Dam, situated in the congressional district of Representative Ken Buck, operates within the guidelines set by the state regulatory agency and plays a crucial role in providing irrigation water to the surrounding area. Its strategic location on the Cache la Poudre River underscores its significance in water resource management and highlights the ongoing efforts to mitigate risks associated with its operation and maintenance.

Year Completed

1902

Dam Length

1200

Dam Height

17

River Or Stream

CACHE LA POUDRE

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

44

Hydraulic Height

17

Nid Storage

450

Structural Height

17

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

17
       
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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.