North Poudre #15

DRY CREEK· Larimer, Colorado· Built 1949· Earth· 53 ft tall
High Hazard Irrigation Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

North Poudre #15 is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1949 and is 77 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 53 ft (taller than 89.5% in CO)
Dam Length3,530 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage7.7K acre-ft
Normal Storage5.6K acre-ft
Surface Area315 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge2,950 cfs
Year Completed1949 (77 years old)
NID IDCO00842

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 12, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR

Ownership

NORTH POUDRE IRR. CO. (MOEN, TAD)

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of North Poudre #15?

North Poudre #15 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 North Poudre #15?

North Poudre #15 is owned by NORTH POUDRE IRR. CO. (MOEN, TAD) (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was North Poudre #15 built?

North Poudre #15 was completed in 1949, making it 77 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 North Poudre #15?

North Poudre #15 serves the following purposes: Irrigation, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is North Poudre #15?

North Poudre #15 has a dam height of 53 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 North Poudre #15 last inspected?

North Poudre #15 was last inspected on August 12, 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.