Behrens Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Behrens is a privately owned irrigation dam located in Weld County, Colorado, specifically in the city of Kersey along the South Platte River.


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Summary

Built in 1910, this earth dam stands at a height of 14 feet and has a length of 1935 feet, providing a storage capacity of 130 acre-feet for various purposes including irrigation, fire protection, stock, small fish ponds, and recreation. Despite being rated as low hazard potential, Behrens poses a high risk due to its age and lack of recent condition assessments.

While the dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the Colorado Division of Water Resources, its last inspection dates back to 1984. With a risk assessment of 2 out of 5 indicating a high risk, there is a need for updated emergency action plans, condition assessments, and risk management measures to ensure the safety and efficiency of Behrens. As a vital water resource structure in the region, the maintenance and modernization of Behrens are crucial for sustainable water management in Colorado.

Year Completed

1910

Dam Length

1935

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

SOUTH PLATTE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

20

Hydraulic Height

14

Drainage Area

1

Nid Storage

130

Structural Height

14

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

14
       
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.