Lake Loveland

BIG THOMPSON RIVER-OS· Larimer, Colorado· Built 1894· Earth· 47 ft tall
High Hazard Irrigation Recreation Water Supply Private

Key Takeaway

Lake Loveland is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1894 and is 132 years old. Its primary use is irrigation. 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 47 ft (taller than 86.8% in CO)
Dam Length1,600 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage16.1K acre-ft
Normal Storage12.7K acre-ft
Surface Area493 acres
Drainage Area4 sq mi
Max Discharge0 cfs
Year Completed1894 (132 years old)
Year Modified1990
NID IDCO01187

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: August 9, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR

Ownership

GREELEY-LOVELAND IRRIGATION COMPANY (DAN KAMMERZEL

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lake Loveland?

Lake Loveland 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 Lake Loveland?

Lake Loveland is owned by GREELEY-LOVELAND IRRIGATION COMPANY (DAN KAMMERZEL (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Lake Loveland built?

Lake Loveland was completed in 1894, making it 132 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 Lake Loveland?

Lake Loveland serves the following purposes: Irrigation, Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Lake Loveland?

Lake Loveland has a dam height of 47 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 Lake Loveland last inspected?

Lake Loveland was last inspected on August 9, 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.