Westerdoll Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Westerdoll Lake, located in Larimer County, Colorado, is a private water resource managed primarily for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

This Earth-type dam stands at a height of 11 feet and was completed in 1900. The lake has a storage capacity of 311 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 229 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 38 acres. With a low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, Westerdoll Lake is considered to have a moderate risk level.

The dam has undergone modifications in 2005 to enhance its hydraulic and structural features, ensuring its continued functionality and safety. With a spillway width of 12 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 875 cubic feet per second, Westerdoll Lake is equipped to manage flood risks effectively. Despite being privately owned, the state of Colorado regulates and inspects the dam regularly to uphold safety standards and enforce necessary maintenance protocols.

Located near the Big Thompson River, Westerdoll Lake is a key component in the local irrigation infrastructure, contributing to agricultural activities in the region. With its stone core and soil foundation, the dam exemplifies a blend of traditional and modern engineering practices. Water resource and climate enthusiasts would find Westerdoll Lake an intriguing case study in sustainable water management and infrastructure development within the context of changing climate patterns and evolving regulatory frameworks.

Years Modified

2005 - Hydraulic, 2005 - Structural

Year Completed

1900

Dam Length

250

Dam Height

11

River Or Stream

BIG THOMPSON RIVER-OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

38

Hydraulic Height

11

Nid Storage

311

Structural Height

11

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

11
       
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.