Albion Lake

NORTH BOULDER CREEK· Boulder, Colorado· Built 1913· Concrete· 36 ft tall
Significant Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Albion Lake is classified as significant hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1913 and is 113 years old. Its primary use is water supply. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 36 ft (taller than 77.6% in CO)
Dam Length780 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage700 acre-ft
Normal Storage560 acre-ft
Surface Area36 acres
Drainage Area2 sq mi
Max Discharge495 cfs
Year Completed1913 (113 years old)
NID IDCO00212

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: August 31, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR

Ownership

CITY OF BOULDER (CLARK, KEVIN)

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Albion Lake?

Albion Lake is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Albion Lake?

Albion Lake is owned by CITY OF BOULDER (CLARK, KEVIN) (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Albion Lake built?

Albion Lake was completed in 1913, making it 113 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Albion Lake?

Albion Lake serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Albion Lake?

Albion Lake has a dam height of 36 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Albion Lake last inspected?

Albion Lake was last inspected on August 31, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.