Bull Canal Lagoon Cell 3 East Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bull Canal Lagoon Cell 3 East is a water resource infrastructure located in Weld, Colorado, designed by Sheaffer & Roland and completed in 1982.


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Summary

This earth dam structure stands at a height of 28 feet with a hydraulic height of 28 feet and a structural height of 49 feet. The primary purpose of the dam is classified as "Other", and it serves as a water storage facility with a maximum storage capacity of 89 acre-feet.

Owned by the local government, Bull Canal Lagoon Cell 3 East is regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement processes in place. The dam has a low hazard potential and a risk assessment rating of High (2). While its condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Rated", the last inspection was conducted in June 2002, with a recommended inspection frequency of every 6 years.

Situated on the Big Dry Creek watershed, this lagoon structure plays a vital role in water management and flood control in the region. With its strategic location in Fort Lupton and a surface area of 4 acres, Bull Canal Lagoon Cell 3 East represents a key piece of infrastructure for maintaining water security and resilience in Weld County, Colorado.

Year Completed

1982

Dam Length

2200

Dam Height

28

River Or Stream

BIG DRY CREEK-OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4

Hydraulic Height

28

Nid Storage

89

Structural Height

49

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

49
       
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.