Black Hollow

BLACK HOLLOW CREEK· Weld, Colorado· Built 1918· Earth· 40 ft tall
High Hazard Irrigation Private

Key Takeaway

Black Hollow is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1918 and is 108 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 40 ft (taller than 81.3% in CO)
Dam Length1,260 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage9.3K acre-ft
Normal Storage8.1K acre-ft
Surface Area371 acres
Drainage Area21 sq mi
Max Discharge38,200 cfs
Year Completed1918 (108 years old)
NID IDCO01157

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: July 29, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR

Ownership

WATER SUPPLY & STORAGE CO. (FRICK, DONALD)

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Black Hollow?

Black Hollow 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 Black Hollow?

Black Hollow is owned by WATER SUPPLY & STORAGE CO. (FRICK, DONALD) (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Black Hollow built?

Black Hollow was completed in 1918, making it 108 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 Black Hollow?

Black Hollow 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 Black Hollow?

Black Hollow has a dam height of 40 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 Black Hollow last inspected?

Black Hollow was last inspected on July 29, 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.