The Ranch Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Ranch is a privately owned irrigation dam located in Westminster, Colorado, along the Big Dry Creek.


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Summary

Completed in 1979, this earth dam stands at a height of 17 feet and has a storage capacity of 28 acre-feet. With a significant hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment as of July 2020, this dam plays a crucial role in providing water for agricultural purposes in the area.

Despite being regulated and inspected by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, The Ranch still poses a moderate risk level, with an uncontrolled spillway and a maximum discharge of 55 cubic feet per second. The dam's emergency action plan was last revised in 2012, and there are no inundation maps prepared for potential risk assessment. With a designated inspection frequency of every two years, ongoing risk management measures are essential to ensure the safety and integrity of this vital water resource infrastructure.

Climate and water resource enthusiasts will find The Ranch to be an intriguing case study in dam engineering and management. From its construction history to its current risk assessment status, this irrigation dam serves as a crucial piece of infrastructure in the local water supply network. As climate change continues to impact water resources, understanding and addressing the risks associated with dams like The Ranch will be key in ensuring sustainable water management practices for the future.

Year Completed

1979

Dam Length

800

Dam Height

17

River Or Stream

BIG DRY CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2

Hydraulic Height

18

Nid Storage

28

Structural Height

27

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

27
       
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.