Loveland Water Storage

BIG THOMPSON RIVER-OS· Larimer, Colorado· Built 1977· Earth· 112 ft tall
High Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Loveland Water Storage is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1977 and is 49 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 112 ft (taller than 96.9% in CO)
Dam Length1,748 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage8.7K acre-ft
Normal Storage6.8K acre-ft
Surface Area160 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge4,000 cfs
Year Completed1977 (49 years old)
NID IDCO00823

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: October 7, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR

Ownership

CITY OF LOVELAND

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Loveland Water Storage?

Loveland Water Storage 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 Loveland Water Storage?

Loveland Water Storage is owned by CITY OF LOVELAND (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Loveland Water Storage built?

Loveland Water Storage was completed in 1977, making it 49 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 Loveland Water Storage?

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

How tall is Loveland Water Storage?

Loveland Water Storage has a dam height of 112 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 Loveland Water Storage last inspected?

Loveland Water Storage was last inspected on October 7, 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.