Cache La Poudre
Key Takeaway
Cache La Poudre is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1977 and is 49 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 | 43 ft (taller than 84.2% in CO) |
| Dam Length | 3,100 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 16.2K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 10.1K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 612 acres |
| Drainage Area | 20 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 34,441 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1977 (49 years old) |
| NID ID | CO00851 |
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
CACHE LA POUDRE RESERVOIR CO. (TROWBRIDGE, DALE)
Private
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Low Hazard 20 ftSherwood
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Significant Hazard 10 ftWindsor Lake
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High Hazard 11 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Cache La Poudre?
Cache La Poudre 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 Cache La Poudre?
Cache La Poudre is owned by CACHE LA POUDRE RESERVOIR CO. (TROWBRIDGE, DALE) (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Cache La Poudre built?
Cache La Poudre was completed in 1977, making it 49 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 Cache La Poudre?
Cache La Poudre serves the following purposes: Irrigation, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Cache La Poudre?
Cache La Poudre has a dam height of 43 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 Cache La Poudre last inspected?
Cache La Poudre was last inspected on September 20, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.