Coal Ridge Waste Dam #1

SOUTH PLATTE RIVER-OS· Weld, Colorado· Built 1954· Earth· 31 ft tall
Significant Hazard Irrigation Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Coal Ridge Waste Dam #1 is classified as significant hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1954 and is 72 years old. Its primary use is irrigation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 31 ft (taller than 68.6% in CO)
Dam Length2,720 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage1.2K acre-ft
Normal Storage591 acre-ft
Surface Area81 acres
Drainage Area3 sq mi
Max Discharge9,290 cfs
Year Completed1954 (72 years old)
NID IDCO00090

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: May 23, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR

Ownership

PLATTE VALLEY IRRIGATION CO. (SCHMIDT, KEVIN)

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Coal Ridge Waste Dam #1?

Coal Ridge Waste Dam #1 is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Coal Ridge Waste Dam #1?

Coal Ridge Waste Dam #1 is owned by PLATTE VALLEY IRRIGATION CO. (SCHMIDT, KEVIN) (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Coal Ridge Waste Dam #1 built?

Coal Ridge Waste Dam #1 was completed in 1954, making it 72 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 Coal Ridge Waste Dam #1?

Coal Ridge Waste Dam #1 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 Coal Ridge Waste Dam #1?

Coal Ridge Waste Dam #1 has a dam height of 31 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 Coal Ridge Waste Dam #1 last inspected?

Coal Ridge Waste Dam #1 was last inspected on May 23, 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.