Cobb Lake
Key Takeaway
Cobb Lake is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1953 and is 73 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 | 58 ft (taller than 90.9% in CO) |
| Dam Length | 1,000 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 28.2K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 22.3K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 765 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 9,110 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1953 (73 years old) |
| NID ID | CO00129 |
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
WRCC, INC. (NELSON, KIMBERLY)
Private
Nearby Dams
Hinkley
Larimer, CO
Low Hazard 26 ftNorth Gray
Larimer, CO
Low Hazard 20 ftSouth Gray
Larimer, CO
Low Hazard 24 ftEast Side Detention Facility
Larimer, CO
High Hazard 26 ftGroth Pumping System
Larimer, CO
Low Hazard 20 ftNorth Poudre # 6
Larimer, CO
High Hazard 42 ftElder
Larimer, CO
High Hazard 21 ftWindsor #8
Larimer, CO
High Hazard 54 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Cobb Lake?
Cobb 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 Cobb Lake?
Cobb Lake is owned by WRCC, INC. (NELSON, KIMBERLY) (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Cobb Lake built?
Cobb Lake was completed in 1953, making it 73 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 Cobb Lake?
Cobb 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 Cobb Lake?
Cobb Lake has a dam height of 58 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 Cobb Lake last inspected?
Cobb Lake was last inspected on August 10, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.