Panama No. 1 - Northeast Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Panama No.


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Summary

1 - Northeast, also known as Baller Lake or Swede Lake, is a private dam located in Boulder, Colorado, with a primary purpose of irrigation. Completed in 1904, this rockfill dam stands at a height of 12 feet and has a storage capacity of 6979 acre-feet, making it a crucial water resource for the region. The dam also serves recreational purposes and is regulated by the state with regular inspections to ensure its safety and functionality.

Situated on Boulder Creek-OS, Panama No. 1 - Northeast plays a vital role in water management and irrigation in the area. With a surface area of 370 acres and a drainage area of 1 square mile, the dam has a low hazard potential and is deemed to be in satisfactory condition as of the last assessment in June 2020. Despite its age, the dam continues to meet the water storage needs of the community while also providing opportunities for recreation and leisure activities.

Managed by a private owner, Panama No. 1 - Northeast contributes to the overall water infrastructure of the region, supporting both agricultural irrigation and recreational pursuits. With a controlled spillway system and a moderate risk assessment rating, this historic dam symbolizes the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of changing climate patterns and increasing water demands.

Year Completed

1904

Dam Length

400

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

BOULDER CREEK-OS

Primary Dam Type

Rockfill

Surface Area

370

Hydraulic Height

12

Drainage Area

1

Nid Storage

6979

Structural Height

12

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

12
       
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.