Barr Lake Reservoir Report

Nearby: Lutz Higgins

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Barr Lake in Colorado, nestled in Adams County, stands as a testament to water resource management and climate adaptation.


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Summary

This private irrigation reservoir, completed in 1893, boasts a dam height of 42 feet and a storage capacity of 47,000 acre-feet, primarily serving agricultural needs in the region. With a surface area of 1830 acres and a drainage area of 14 square miles, Barr Lake plays a vital role in water storage and conservation.

Despite its age, Barr Lake remains in satisfactory condition as of the last assessment in October 2020, with a high hazard potential due to its location and purpose. The dam's uncontrolled spillway, with a width of 163 feet, adds to its impressive engineering. The reservoir's risk assessment indicates a moderate level of risk, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and management to ensure its continued safety and functionality in the face of changing climate patterns.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate resilience can appreciate Barr Lake as a historic and essential component of Colorado's water infrastructure. With its strategic location, efficient design, and critical role in irrigation, Barr Lake embodies the intersection of human ingenuity and natural resource management in the face of evolving environmental challenges.

Year Completed

1893

Dam Length

7150

Dam Height

42

River Or Stream

BEEBE DRAW

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1830

Hydraulic Height

38

Drainage Area

14

Nid Storage

47000

Structural Height

43

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

43
       
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.