Bills Ranch Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 4, 2025

Located in Frisco, Colorado, Bills Ranch Lake is a privately owned water resource that serves as a recreational hotspot for fishing and wildlife enthusiasts.


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Summary

Built in 1933, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 8 feet with a length of 300 feet, offering a serene surface area of 2 acres for visitors to enjoy. With a maximum storage capacity of 11 acre-feet, the lake provides a crucial habitat for fish and wildlife in the area.

Managed by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, Bills Ranch Lake is subject to regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Despite being classified as having a significant hazard potential, the dam is currently rated as being in fair condition, with a moderate risk assessment score of 3. With a controlled spillway width of 21 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 28 cubic feet per second, the lake is equipped to handle potential overflow events and maintain its operational functionality.

With its picturesque setting and importance as a recreation hub in Summit County, Bills Ranch Lake stands as a testament to the delicate balance between water resource management and environmental conservation. As climate change continues to impact water resources across the globe, preserving and safeguarding such reservoirs becomes increasingly vital for sustaining ecosystems and providing recreational opportunities for future generations.

Year Completed

1933

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

8

River Or Stream

MINERS-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2

Hydraulic Height

8

Drainage Area

1

Nid Storage

11

Structural Height

8

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

8
       
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.