Briscoe Lake Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Briscoe Lake, located in Weld County, Colorado, is a private irrigation reservoir that was completed in 1904.
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Summary
With a dam height of 12 feet and a length of 2397 feet, the lake has a storage capacity of 300 acre-feet and a surface area of 44 acres. It serves primarily for irrigation purposes, drawing water from the South Platte River.
Despite being a privately owned structure, Briscoe Lake is regulated and permitted by the Colorado Department of Water Resources (DWR), with regular inspections to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam has been assessed to be in fair condition with a low hazard potential, but with a moderate risk level. The spillway, although uncontrolled, has a width of 305 feet to handle a maximum discharge of 1440 cubic feet per second.
Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will appreciate the historical significance and engineering feats of Briscoe Lake. Its role in supporting agricultural activities in the region, while also being subject to regulatory oversight and risk management, showcases the delicate balance between water utilization and safety considerations in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1904 |
Dam Length |
2397 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
SO PLATTE RIVER-OS |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
44 |
Hydraulic Height |
12 |
Nid Storage |
300 |
Structural Height |
12 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
12 |
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.
Briscoe Lake