Lost Creek #1 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Lost Creek #1, located in Weld County, Colorado, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1908 primarily for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes.
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Summary
With a dam height of 9 feet and a length of 1829 feet, this reservoir has a storage capacity of 201 acre-feet and a surface area of 48 acres. The dam is situated on the Lost Creek river and is regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, with state jurisdiction, permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance.
Despite being categorized as low hazard potential, Lost Creek #1 poses a high risk due to its age and lack of recent condition assessment. The last inspection conducted was in 1985, highlighting the need for regular monitoring and maintenance to mitigate any potential risks. While the dam does not have a spillway, it has a maximum discharge capacity of 5530 cubic feet per second, emphasizing the importance of proper management to prevent overtopping during extreme events.
Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Lost Creek #1 a fascinating case study for understanding the history, design, and management of a century-old dam in Colorado. With its unique combination of purposes and its location on Lost Creek, this dam serves as a valuable asset for fire protection and agricultural activities in the region. However, the high risk associated with its condition warrants attention and proactive measures to ensure its long-term stability and safety for both the environment and surrounding communities.
Year Completed |
1908 |
Dam Length |
1829 |
Dam Height |
9 |
River Or Stream |
LOST CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
48 |
Hydraulic Height |
9 |
Nid Storage |
201 |
Structural Height |
9 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
9 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Lost Creek #1