Terry Lake
Key Takeaway
Terry Lake is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1890 and is 136 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 | 38 ft (taller than 79.2% in CO) |
| Dam Length | 6,400 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 10.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 8.3K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 500 acres |
| Drainage Area | 4 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 4,780 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1890 (136 years old) |
| NID ID | CO00850 |
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
LARIMER & WELD RESERVOIR CO. (KIMBERLY NELSON)
Private
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Low Hazard 22 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Terry Lake?
Terry 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 Terry Lake?
Terry Lake is owned by LARIMER & WELD RESERVOIR CO. (KIMBERLY NELSON) (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Terry Lake built?
Terry Lake was completed in 1890, making it 136 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 Terry Lake?
Terry Lake 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 Terry Lake?
Terry Lake has a dam height of 38 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 Terry Lake last inspected?
Terry Lake was last inspected on May 23, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.