Chambers Lake

JOE WRIGHT CREEK· Larimer, Colorado· Built 1924· Earth· 55 ft tall
High Hazard Irrigation Private

Key Takeaway

Chambers Lake is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1924 and is 102 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 55 ft (taller than 90% in CO)
Dam Length2,125 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage11.4K acre-ft
Normal Storage8.9K acre-ft
Surface Area281 acres
Drainage Area32 sq mi
Max Discharge54,399 cfs
Year Completed1924 (102 years old)
NID IDCO00127

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 26, 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 Chambers Lake?

Chambers 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 Chambers Lake?

Chambers Lake 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 Chambers Lake built?

Chambers Lake was completed in 1924, making it 102 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 Chambers Lake?

Chambers 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 Chambers Lake?

Chambers Lake has a dam height of 55 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 Chambers Lake last inspected?

Chambers Lake was last inspected on July 26, 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.