Erie Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Larimer County, Colorado, Erie Lake is a private fish and wildlife pond with a primary purpose of supporting wildlife.


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Summary

Built in 1900, this Earth dam stands at a height of 10 feet and has a length of 150 feet, providing a maximum storage capacity of 98 acre-feet. With a normal storage capacity of 70 acre-feet and a surface area of 14 acres, Erie Lake serves as a recreational spot for residents of Fort Collins and surrounding areas.

Despite being a low hazard potential structure, Erie Lake is regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement mechanisms in place. With a high risk assessment rating of 2, there are considerations for risk management measures to ensure the safety and integrity of the dam. Even though the dam's condition assessment is currently not rated, the emergency action plan and inundation maps are yet to be prepared, signifying a need for proactive measures to address potential risks and emergencies that may arise in the future. Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Erie Lake an intriguing site for observing the intersection of human intervention and natural ecosystems in a picturesque Colorado setting.

Year Completed

1900

Dam Length

150

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

N LONE PINE CR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

14

Hydraulic Height

10

Nid Storage

98

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.