Horseshoe Lake (South Dam) in Larimer, Colorado, is a significant earth dam completed in 1905 with a primary purpose of irrigation.
Wind
Humidity
Standing at 24 feet in height and stretching 1650 feet in length, this dam provides a storage capacity of 10,559 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 8,051 acre-feet. The dam also serves recreational purposes, offering a surface area of 650 acres for activities such as fishing and boating.
Managed by a private entity, Horseshoe Lake (South Dam) is regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and functionality. Despite being classified as having a significant hazard potential, the dam is currently in satisfactory condition and undergoes inspections every two years. The surrounding area, fed by the Big Thompson River, benefits from the controlled release of water through an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 1044 feet, minimizing the risk of flooding downstream.
With its historical significance dating back over a century, Horseshoe Lake (South Dam) stands as a vital infrastructure for water management and recreation in the Loveland area. As climate change impacts water resources, dams like Horseshoe Lake play a crucial role in providing irrigation water for agricultural purposes while also offering a recreational oasis for the community. Maintaining and monitoring this dam remains essential to ensure its continued safety and functionality in the face of evolving environmental challenges.
Year Completed |
1905 |
Dam Length |
1650 |
Dam Height |
24 |
River Or Stream |
BIG THOMPSON RIVER-OS |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
650 |
Hydraulic Height |
24 |
Drainage Area |
11 |
Nid Storage |
10559 |
Structural Height |
27 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
27 |