Gold Lake #2 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Gold Lake #2, located in Boulder, Colorado, is a private-owned Earth dam constructed in 1879 for the primary purpose of serving as a Fish and Wildlife Pond.


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Summary

The dam has a height of 19 feet and a length of 300 feet, with a storage capacity of 587 acre-feet and a surface area of 34 acres. It is situated on the Bell Gulch river and has a spillway width of 16 feet, with a maximum discharge capacity of 430 cfs. The dam is regulated by the Colorado State agency DWR, with inspection, permitting, and enforcement all in place to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.

The dam at Gold Lake #2 has been assessed as being in satisfactory condition, with a significant hazard potential. The last inspection was conducted in October 2017, with an inspection frequency of every 2 years. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate, with no specific risk management measures or emergency action plan currently in place. The surrounding area is at risk of inundation in the event of a breach, highlighting the importance of continued monitoring and maintenance of the dam to ensure the safety of the community and water resources in the area.

Overall, Gold Lake #2 serves multiple purposes including irrigation and recreation in addition to its primary function as a Fish and Wildlife Pond. The dam plays a crucial role in water management and conservation efforts in the region, providing storage capacity and recreational opportunities while also posing a potential risk that requires ongoing attention and management. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Gold Lake #2 presents an intriguing case study in the intersection of human activities and natural systems, highlighting the importance of sustainable water management practices in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1879

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

19

River Or Stream

BELL GULCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

34

Hydraulic Height

19

Nid Storage

587

Structural Height

19

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

19
       
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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.