Fairport

BIG THOMPSON RIVER-OS· Larimer, Colorado· Built 1882· Earth· 12 ft tall
Significant Hazard Irrigation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Fairport is classified as significant hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1882 and is 144 years old. Its primary use is irrigation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 12 ft (taller than 11% in CO)
Dam Length640 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage390 acre-ft
Normal Storage143 acre-ft
Surface Area52 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge3,945 cfs
Year Completed1882 (144 years old)
Year Modified2009
NID IDCO01183

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: November 10, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR

Ownership

CITY OF FORT COLLINS-NATURAL AREAS DEPT. (RYAN KOG

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Fairport?

Fairport 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 Fairport?

Fairport is owned by CITY OF FORT COLLINS-NATURAL AREAS DEPT. (RYAN KOG (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Fairport built?

Fairport was completed in 1882, making it 144 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 Fairport?

Fairport 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 Fairport?

Fairport has a dam height of 12 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 Fairport last inspected?

Fairport was last inspected on November 10, 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.