Flood Control Basin No. 1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Flood Control Basin No.


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Summary

1, located in Larimer County, Colorado, is a critical infrastructure designed by URS CORPORATION to mitigate flood risks along Dry Creek. Completed in 2006, this earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet, with a hydraulic height of 16 feet and a structural height of 16 feet. It has a storage capacity of 653 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 14,395 cubic feet per second, providing vital flood risk reduction benefits to the surrounding area.

The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 250 feet, ensuring efficient water management during times of high flow. Despite its high hazard potential, Flood Control Basin No. 1 has been assessed to be in satisfactory condition as of June 2019, with a moderate risk level. It is regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, with regular inspections and enforcement measures in place to ensure its ongoing safety and effectiveness in protecting the community of Fort Collins from the impacts of flooding.

With its strategic location and design, Flood Control Basin No. 1 plays a crucial role in safeguarding local residents and infrastructure from the devastating effects of floods. As a key component of the flood risk reduction system in the region, this dam serves as a testament to proactive water resource management and climate resilience efforts, highlighting the importance of sustainable infrastructure development in mitigating the impacts of extreme weather events on communities and ecosystems.

Year Completed

2006

Dam Length

2100

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

DRY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1

Hydraulic Height

16

Nid Storage

653

Structural Height

16

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

20
       
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.