Riverside
Key Takeaway
Riverside 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 | 41 ft (taller than 82.7% in CO) |
| Dam Length | 23,400 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 91.4K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 63.3K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 3,811 acres |
| Drainage Area | 89 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 3,371 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1908 (118 years old) |
| NID ID | CO00112 |
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
RIVERSIDE IRRIGATION DISTRICT (DON CHAPMAN)
Private
Nearby Dams
Empire (Outlet Embankment)
Weld, CO
High Hazard 34 ftEmpire (Nw Embankment)
Weld, CO
High Hazard 35 ftEmpire (Mcintyre Dike)
Weld, CO
High Hazard 35 ftEmpire (East Embankment)
Morgan, CO
High Hazard 35 ftLost Creek #1
Weld, CO
Low Hazard 9 ftJackson Lake
Morgan, CO
High Hazard 39 ft70 Ranch
Weld, CO
Low Hazard 47 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Riverside?
Riverside 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 Riverside?
Riverside is owned by RIVERSIDE IRRIGATION DISTRICT (DON CHAPMAN) (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Riverside built?
Riverside 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 Riverside?
Riverside 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 Riverside?
Riverside 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 Riverside last inspected?
Riverside was last inspected on December 16, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.