Marshall Lake
Key Takeaway
Marshall Lake is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1908 and is 118 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 | 80 ft (taller than 93.8% in CO) |
| Dam Length | 2,370 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 12.9K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 11.5K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 305 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,920 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1908 (118 years old) |
| NID ID | CO00241 |
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
FARMERS RESERVOIR AND IRRIGATION COMPANY (EDGAR, S
Private
Nearby Dams
Superior
Boulder, CO
High Hazard 59 ftViele Lake
Boulder, CO
Low Hazard 19 ftBaseline - East
Boulder, CO
High Hazard 40 ftBaseline - Northwest
Boulder, CO
High Hazard 20 ftHarper Lake
Boulder, CO
High Hazard 11 ftD.O.E. Rocky Flats A-4
Jefferson, CO
Low Hazard 40 ftD.O.E. Rocky Flats B-5
Jefferson, CO
Low Hazard 48 ftLouisville No. 1
Boulder, CO
Significant Hazard 13 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Marshall Lake?
Marshall Lake 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 Marshall Lake?
Marshall Lake is owned by FARMERS RESERVOIR AND IRRIGATION COMPANY (EDGAR, S (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Marshall Lake built?
Marshall Lake was completed in 1908, making it 118 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 Marshall Lake?
Marshall Lake 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 Marshall Lake?
Marshall Lake has a dam height of 80 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 Marshall Lake last inspected?
Marshall Lake was last inspected on June 3, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.