Rawhide Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Rawhide, also known as Hamilton Reservoir, is a public utility water supply dam located in Larimer, Colorado.
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Summary
Completed in 1980, this earth dam stands at 90 feet tall and has a hydraulic height of 95 feet, with a structural height of 113 feet. The reservoir has a storage capacity of 20,245 acre-feet and serves as a critical source of water for the surrounding area, with a normal storage capacity of 15,400 acre-feet.
Managed by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, Rawhide plays a vital role in providing water to the region, particularly to the city of Wellington. With a high hazard potential but satisfactory condition assessment, the dam is regularly inspected and monitored to ensure its safety and reliability. The spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 20 feet and a maximum discharge of 850 cubic feet per second.
Despite its moderate risk assessment, Rawhide remains a key infrastructure for water resource management in the area, highlighting the importance of maintaining and safeguarding these critical assets in the face of changing climate conditions and increasing water demand. As a significant component of the local water supply system, Rawhide exemplifies the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience, serving as a reminder of the importance of sustainable water infrastructure for the future.
Year Completed |
1980 |
Dam Length |
7200 |
Dam Height |
90 |
River Or Stream |
COAL CREEK-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
510 |
Hydraulic Height |
95 |
Drainage Area |
2 |
Nid Storage |
20245 |
Structural Height |
113 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
113 |
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.
Rawhide