North Poudre # 5

CACHE LA POUDRE RIVER-TR· Larimer, Colorado· Built 1905· Earth· 41 ft tall
High Hazard Irrigation Private

Key Takeaway

North Poudre # 5 is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1905 and is 121 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 41 ft (taller than 82.7% in CO)
Dam Length2,060 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage9.8K acre-ft
Normal Storage7.7K acre-ft
Surface Area442 acres
Drainage Area8 sq mi
Max Discharge12,500 cfs
Year Completed1905 (121 years old)
NID IDCO02018

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: September 2, 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 # 5?

North Poudre # 5 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 # 5?

North Poudre # 5 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 # 5 built?

North Poudre # 5 was completed in 1905, making it 121 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 # 5?

North Poudre # 5 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 North Poudre # 5?

North Poudre # 5 has a dam height of 41 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 # 5 last inspected?

North Poudre # 5 was last inspected on September 2, 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.