Joe Wright
Key Takeaway
Joe Wright is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1979 and is 47 years old. Its primary use is water supply. 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 | 123 ft (taller than 97.3% in CO) |
| Dam Length | 2,300 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 9.4K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 7.2K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 152 acres |
| Drainage Area | 5 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 3,875 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1979 (47 years old) |
| NID ID | CO01766 |
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
CITY OF FORT COLLINS (MORRISON, KEN)
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Zimmerman Lake
Larimer, CO
Low Hazard 10 ftBarnes Meadow
Larimer, CO
High Hazard 47 ftLost Lake
Larimer, CO
Low Hazard 15 ftChambers Lake
Larimer, CO
High Hazard 55 ftPeterson Lake
Larimer, CO
High Hazard 38 ftLong Draw
Larimer, CO
High Hazard 84 ftNorth Michigan Creek
Jackson, CO
Significant Hazard 60 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Joe Wright?
Joe Wright 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 Joe Wright?
Joe Wright is owned by CITY OF FORT COLLINS (MORRISON, KEN) (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Joe Wright built?
Joe Wright was completed in 1979, making it 47 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 Joe Wright?
Joe Wright serves the following purposes: Water Supply, Irrigation, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Joe Wright?
Joe Wright has a dam height of 123 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 Joe Wright last inspected?
Joe Wright was last inspected on August 24, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.