Margaret Spurgeon #1

DRY CREEK-TR· Boulder, Colorado· Built 1963· Earth· 32 ft tall
Significant Hazard Irrigation Water Supply Public Utility

Key Takeaway

Margaret Spurgeon #1 is classified as significant hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1963 and is 63 years old. Its primary use is irrigation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 32 ft (taller than 70.4% in CO)
Dam Length2,800 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage350 acre-ft
Normal Storage254 acre-ft
Surface Area18 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge3,580 cfs
Year Completed1963 (63 years old)
NID IDCO00941

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: June 23, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR

Ownership

LEFT HAND WATER DISTRICT (JASON WHITMORE)

Public Utility

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Margaret Spurgeon #1?

Margaret Spurgeon #1 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 Margaret Spurgeon #1?

Margaret Spurgeon #1 is owned by LEFT HAND WATER DISTRICT (JASON WHITMORE) (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Margaret Spurgeon #1 built?

Margaret Spurgeon #1 was completed in 1963, making it 63 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 Margaret Spurgeon #1?

Margaret Spurgeon #1 serves the following purposes: Irrigation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Margaret Spurgeon #1?

Margaret Spurgeon #1 has a dam height of 32 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 Margaret Spurgeon #1 last inspected?

Margaret Spurgeon #1 was last inspected on June 23, 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.