Gold Lake #3

BELL GULCH· Boulder, Colorado· Built 1879· Earth· 9 ft tall
Significant Hazard Fish And Wildlife Pond Irrigation Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Gold Lake #3 is classified as significant hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1879 and is 147 years old. Its primary use is fish and wildlife pond. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 9 ft (taller than 2.9% in CO)
Dam Length168 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage587 acre-ft
Normal Storage435 acre-ft
Surface Area34 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge430 cfs
Year Completed1879 (147 years old)
NID IDCO02838

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: September 24, 2013
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR

Ownership

LEFT HAND DITCH COMPANY (TERRY PLUMMER)

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Gold Lake #3?

Gold Lake #3 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 Gold Lake #3?

Gold Lake #3 is owned by LEFT HAND DITCH COMPANY (TERRY PLUMMER) (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Gold Lake #3 built?

Gold Lake #3 was completed in 1879, making it 147 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 Gold Lake #3?

Gold Lake #3 serves the following purposes: Fish And Wildlife Pond, Irrigation, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Gold Lake #3?

Gold Lake #3 has a dam height of 9 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 Gold Lake #3 last inspected?

Gold Lake #3 was last inspected on September 24, 2013. 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.