La Veta Lake North Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 4, 2025

Located in the picturesque town of La Veta, Colorado, La Veta Lake North is a locally-owned dam that serves the primary purpose of water supply.


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Summary

Built in 1882, this earth dam stands at a height of 19 feet and has a hydraulic height of 15 feet, with a storage capacity of 112 acre-feet. The dam sits on the Cucharas River-OS and covers an area of 8 acres, providing not only essential water resources but also recreational opportunities for the community.

Managed by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, La Veta Lake North is regulated, inspected, and enforced to ensure its safety and functionality. With a spillway width of 4 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 35 cubic feet per second, the dam has been assessed as having a significant hazard potential but remains in satisfactory condition. Regular inspections, updated emergency action plans, and risk management measures help mitigate potential risks and ensure the dam's resilience in the face of changing climate conditions.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, La Veta Lake North offers a fascinating example of historical dam construction and modern water management practices. With its critical role in providing water supply and its potential for recreational activities, this dam stands as a testament to the intersection of human infrastructure and environmental stewardship in the face of a changing climate.

Year Completed

1882

Dam Length

993

Dam Height

19

River Or Stream

CUCHARAS RIVER-OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8

Hydraulic Height

15

Nid Storage

112

Structural Height

20

Outlet Gates

Drum - 0

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

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.