Coal Ridge Waste Dam #2 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Coal Ridge Waste Dam #2, also known as Sand Hill Lake, is a privately owned structure located in Weld County, Colorado.


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Summary

Completed in 1954, this earth dam stands at 7 feet high and stretches 820 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 1382 acre-feet. The primary purpose of the dam is for irrigation, with additional benefits for recreational activities.

This dam is situated on Little Dry Creek, with a drainage area of 3 square miles. Although it has a low hazard potential and is currently in satisfactory condition, it is regulated by the Colorado Division of Water Resources, with regular inspections and enforcement measures in place. While it lacks a spillway, the dam has a risk assessment rating of 2, indicating a high level of risk that should be managed carefully.

Enthusiasts interested in water resources and climate will find Coal Ridge Waste Dam #2 a compelling structure with historical significance and potential implications for water management in the region. With its unique features and risk profile, this dam serves as a notable example of the intersection between infrastructure, environmental protection, and public safety.

Year Completed

1954

Dam Length

820

Dam Height

7

River Or Stream

LITTLE DRY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

81

Hydraulic Height

7

Drainage Area

3

Nid Storage

1382

Structural Height

7

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

7
       
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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.