Horseshoe Lake (South Dam) Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Horseshoe Lake (South Dam) in Larimer, Colorado, is a significant earth dam completed in 1905 with a primary purpose of irrigation.


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Summary

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
       
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.