Peterson Lake, located in Boulder, Colorado, is a privately owned water supply reservoir with a capacity of 197 acre-feet.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1961, this earth dam stands at 12 feet high and spans 88 feet in length, serving as a critical source of water for the surrounding area. Its primary purpose is water supply, with a normal storage capacity of 117 acre-feet and a surface area covering 18 acres.
Managed by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, Peterson Lake is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced to ensure its structural integrity and safe operation. The dam's spillway, with a width of 24 feet, is uncontrolled and designed to handle a maximum discharge of 345 cubic feet per second. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam received a satisfactory condition assessment during its last inspection in 2008, indicating a moderate risk level that requires ongoing risk management measures.
Situated along the Middle Boulder Creek, Peterson Lake is a vital component of the local water infrastructure, playing a crucial role in water supply management and supporting the surrounding ecosystem. With its historical significance and continued regulatory oversight, Peterson Lake stands as a testament to responsible water resource management in the face of changing climate conditions and evolving environmental challenges.
Years Modified |
2002 - Hydraulic |
Year Completed |
1961 |
Dam Length |
88 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
MIDDLE BOULDER CREEK-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
18 |
Hydraulic Height |
12 |
Drainage Area |
1 |
Nid Storage |
197 |
Structural Height |
12 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
12 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Caribou Dispersed Camping Area
|
||
West Magnolia
|
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Kelly Dahl Campground
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Kelly Dahl
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Rainbow Lakes Campground
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Rainbow Lakes
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