Independent

ST. VRAIN CREEK-OS· Boulder, Colorado· Built 1903· Earth· 12 ft tall
Low Hazard Irrigation Private

Key Takeaway

Independent is classified as low hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1903 and is 123 years old. Its primary use is irrigation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 12 ft (taller than 11% in CO)
Dam Length822 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage260 acre-ft
Normal Storage165 acre-ft
Surface Area32 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge562 cfs
Year Completed1903 (123 years old)
Year Modified2007
NID IDCO01224

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

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

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: June 6, 2019
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR

Ownership

INDEPENDENT RESERVOIR COMPANY (MIKE DOLLAGHAN)

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Independent?

Independent is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Independent?

Independent is owned by INDEPENDENT RESERVOIR COMPANY (MIKE DOLLAGHAN) (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Independent built?

Independent was completed in 1903, making it 123 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 Independent?

Independent 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 Independent?

Independent 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 Independent last inspected?

Independent was last inspected on June 6, 2019. 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.