Barr Lake
Key Takeaway
Barr Lake is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1893 and is 133 years old. Its primary use is irrigation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 42 ft (taller than 83.3% in CO) |
| Dam Length | 7,150 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 47.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 31.6K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,830 acres |
| Drainage Area | 13 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,466 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1893 (133 years old) |
| NID ID | CO01888 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
FARMERS RESERVOIR AND IRRIGATION COMPANY (EDGAR, S
Private
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Barr Lake?
Barr Lake is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Barr Lake?
Barr Lake is owned by FARMERS RESERVOIR AND IRRIGATION COMPANY (EDGAR, S (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Barr Lake built?
Barr Lake was completed in 1893, making it 133 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 Barr Lake?
Barr Lake serves the following purposes: Irrigation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Barr Lake?
Barr Lake has a dam height of 42 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 Barr Lake last inspected?
Barr Lake was last inspected on November 7, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.