German #1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

German #1 is a privately owned irrigation dam located in Fort Lupton, Colorado.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Built in 1910, this earth dam stands at a height of 10 feet and stretches 546 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 50 acre-feet. The primary purpose of German #1 is to support irrigation activities in the area, drawing water from the Big Dry Creek-OS. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is classified as having a high risk level due to its condition assessment being "Not Rated".

This dam is regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources (DWR) and undergoes regular inspections, with a frequency of every 6 years. It is equipped with a spillway width of 50 feet, although it currently does not have a spillway type designated. The risk management measures for German #1 are not specified, and there is no Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place. Despite these gaps in emergency preparedness, German #1 serves as a critical water resource infrastructure for the local agricultural community and contributes to the overall water management system in the region.

Year Completed

1910

Dam Length

546

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

BIG DRY CREEK-OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3

Hydraulic Height

10

Nid Storage

50

Structural Height

10

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

10
       
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.