Superior Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Superior, located in Boulder County, Colorado, is home to a significant water supply dam known as the Superior Dam on Coal Creek-OS.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Completed in 1994, this earth-type dam stands at a height of 83 feet and has a storage capacity of 500 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 400 acre-feet. The dam serves the primary purpose of water supply for the local community, making it a crucial infrastructure for ensuring water availability in the region.

With a high hazard potential but a satisfactory condition assessment as of October 2020, the Superior Dam is subject to regular inspection, enforcement, and permitting by the Colorado Department of Water Resources (DWR). The dam's spillway, with a width of 2 feet, is uncontrolled, and it has a maximum discharge capacity of 41 cubic feet per second. Despite its high risk potential, the dam's risk assessment is classified as moderate (3), indicating the need for ongoing risk management measures to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure.

Overall, Superior Dam plays a vital role in water resource management in the area, providing essential water supply while also posing challenges in terms of safety and risk mitigation. As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure, the maintenance and monitoring of dams like Superior will be crucial to ensure the resilience and sustainability of water systems in the face of evolving environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1994

Dam Length

3420

Dam Height

59

River Or Stream

COAL CREEK-OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

17

Hydraulic Height

59

Nid Storage

500

Structural Height

83

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

83
       
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.
View more

Area Campgrounds

Location Reservations Toilets
SuperiorTipi Village Preview Tipi Village
SuperiorStandley Lake Preview Standley Lake
SuperiorCamp Patiya Preview Camp Patiya