Wildhorse Reservoir Report

Last Updated: January 10, 2026

Wildhorse, a Federal-owned irrigation dam located in Weld County, Colorado, serves as a crucial water resource for the surrounding area.


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Summary

Completed in 1920, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 20 feet and has a storage capacity of 617 acre-feet. The dam, primarily used for irrigation purposes, regulates water from a branch of Wildhorse Creek, providing essential water supply for agricultural activities in the region.

Managed by the Forest Service, Wildhorse Dam is subject to state regulations and inspections, ensuring its safety and compliance with environmental standards. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is currently not rated. With a risk assessment indicating a very high risk level, the dam's emergency action plan status and risk management measures are not specified. As a vital piece of infrastructure for water management in the area, continued monitoring and maintenance of Wildhorse Dam are essential to mitigate potential risks and ensure the safety of downstream communities and ecosystems.

Year Completed

1920

Dam Length

995

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

BRANCH OF WILDHORSE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

65

Hydraulic Height

20

Drainage Area

3120

Nid Storage

617

Structural Height

20

Outlet Gates

Valve

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

20
       
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.
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