Pleasant Valley

ST. VRAIN CREEK-OS· Boulder, Colorado· Built 1868· Earth· 19 ft tall
High Hazard Irrigation Recreation Water Supply Private

Key Takeaway

Pleasant Valley is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1868 and is 158 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 19 ft (taller than 32.7% in CO)
Dam Length2,900 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage4.7K acre-ft
Normal Storage2.9K acre-ft
Surface Area334 acres
Drainage Area3 sq mi
Max Discharge2,403 cfs
Year Completed1868 (158 years old)
Year Modified1988
NID IDCO00182

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: June 10, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR

Ownership

PLEASANT VALLEY RESERVOIR, FISH & DITCH CO. (BODEN

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Pleasant Valley?

Pleasant Valley 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 Pleasant Valley?

Pleasant Valley is owned by PLEASANT VALLEY RESERVOIR, FISH & DITCH CO. (BODEN (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Pleasant Valley built?

Pleasant Valley was completed in 1868, making it 158 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 Pleasant Valley?

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

How tall is Pleasant Valley?

Pleasant Valley has a dam height of 19 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 Pleasant Valley last inspected?

Pleasant Valley was last inspected on June 10, 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.