Horseshoe Lake (South Dam)

BIG THOMPSON RIVER-OS· Larimer, Colorado· Built 1905· Earth· 24 ft tall
Significant Hazard Irrigation Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Horseshoe Lake (South Dam) is classified as significant hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1905 and is 121 years old. Its primary use is irrigation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 24 ft (taller than 49.9% in CO)
Dam Length1,650 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage10.6K acre-ft
Normal Storage8.1K acre-ft
Surface Area650 acres
Drainage Area11 sq mi
Max Discharge9,204 cfs
Year Completed1905 (121 years old)
NID IDCO02836

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: June 11, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR

Ownership

SEVEN LAKES RESERVOIR CO. (DAN KAMMERZELL)

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Horseshoe Lake (South Dam)?

Horseshoe Lake (South Dam) 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 Horseshoe Lake (South Dam)?

Horseshoe Lake (South Dam) is owned by SEVEN LAKES RESERVOIR CO. (DAN KAMMERZELL) (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Horseshoe Lake (South Dam) built?

Horseshoe Lake (South Dam) was completed in 1905, making it 121 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 Horseshoe Lake (South Dam)?

Horseshoe Lake (South Dam) 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 Horseshoe Lake (South Dam)?

Horseshoe Lake (South Dam) has a dam height of 24 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 Horseshoe Lake (South Dam) last inspected?

Horseshoe Lake (South Dam) was last inspected on June 11, 2021. 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.