Lower Latham

BEEBE DRAW· Weld, Colorado· Built 1900· Earth· 23 ft tall
Significant Hazard Irrigation Private

Key Takeaway

Lower Latham is classified as significant hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1900 and is 126 years old. Its primary use is irrigation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 23 ft (taller than 47.2% in CO)
Dam Length10,712 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage11.3K acre-ft
Normal Storage5.7K acre-ft
Surface Area987 acres
Drainage Area169 sq mi
Max Discharge15,300 cfs
Year Completed1900 (126 years old)
Year Modified1985
NID IDCO00095

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: August 19, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR

Ownership

LOWER LATHAM RESERVOIR CO. (JOHN FLACK, SUPERINTEN

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lower Latham?

Lower Latham 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 Lower Latham?

Lower Latham is owned by LOWER LATHAM RESERVOIR CO. (JOHN FLACK, SUPERINTEN (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Lower Latham built?

Lower Latham was completed in 1900, making it 126 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 Lower Latham?

Lower Latham 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 Lower Latham?

Lower Latham has a dam height of 23 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 Lower Latham last inspected?

Lower Latham was last inspected on August 19, 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.