Panama No. 1 - Northwest Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Panama No.


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Summary

1 - Northwest, also known as Baller Lake or Swede Lake, is a private dam located in Boulder, Colorado. Built in 1904 for irrigation purposes, this rockfill dam stands at a height of 7 feet and stretches 1900 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 6979 acre-feet and a surface area of 370 acres, Panama No. 1 - Northwest plays a crucial role in water management in the region.

Managed by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, this dam on Boulder Creek-OS is regulated, inspected, and enforced to ensure its safety and functionality. Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment as of 2015, the dam is subject to moderate risk due to its age and the surrounding environment. With a maximum discharge of 4150 cubic feet per second and an uncontrolled spillway, Panama No. 1 - Northwest is a key structure in the water resource infrastructure of Colorado.

As a significant part of the water supply and irrigation system in the area, Panama No. 1 - Northwest not only serves practical purposes but also offers opportunities for recreation. With its historic background dating back over a century, this dam continues to be a vital component in managing water resources and adapting to the changing climate conditions in the region.

Year Completed

1904

Dam Length

1900

Dam Height

7

River Or Stream

BOULDER CREEK-OS

Primary Dam Type

Rockfill

Surface Area

370

Hydraulic Height

7

Drainage Area

1

Nid Storage

6979

Structural Height

7

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

7
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.