Boulder - South
Key Takeaway
Boulder - South is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1955 and is 71 years old. Its primary use is water supply. 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 | 45 ft (taller than 85.3% in CO) |
| Dam Length | 3,198 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 17.7K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 13.3K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 684 acres |
| Drainage Area | 14 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 25,500 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1955 (71 years old) |
| NID ID | CO02819 |
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
CITY OF BOULDER (KEVIN CLARK)
Local Government
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High Hazard 27 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Boulder - South?
Boulder - South 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 Boulder - South?
Boulder - South is owned by CITY OF BOULDER (KEVIN CLARK) (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Boulder - South built?
Boulder - South was completed in 1955, making it 71 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 Boulder - South?
Boulder - South serves the following purposes: Water Supply, Irrigation, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Boulder - South?
Boulder - South has a dam height of 45 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 Boulder - South last inspected?
Boulder - South was last inspected on November 3, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.