Lake Of The Woods Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake of The Woods, located in Garfield County, Colorado, is a federally owned water resource managed by the USDA Forest Service.


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Summary

This picturesque lake, situated along the North Fork White River, serves primarily for recreational purposes, attracting water and climate enthusiasts alike. The earth dam, with a height of 10 feet and hydraulic height of 15 feet, creates a serene setting for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and hiking.

With a storage capacity of 150 acre-feet, Lake of The Woods offers a tranquil escape for visitors seeking to connect with nature in a low hazard environment. Despite being uncontrolled, the spillway width of 20 feet ensures adequate water management during peak flow events. While the dam's condition is currently not rated, regular inspections every 10 years help to maintain its structural integrity and uphold safety standards. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate, emphasizing the importance of ongoing risk management measures to safeguard this valuable water resource.

Overall, Lake of The Woods stands as a hidden gem in the Colorado wilderness, providing a peaceful retreat for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy the beauty of nature while ensuring responsible water resource management and climate resilience. As a key recreational spot within the USDA Forest Service's jurisdiction, this lake serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between human enjoyment and environmental preservation in the face of changing climate patterns.

Dam Length

150

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

N FORK WHITE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

15

Drainage Area

1

Nid Storage

150

Structural Height

15

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

15
       
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.