Ward Lake
Key Takeaway
Ward Lake is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1958 and is 68 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 | 27 ft (taller than 59.3% in CO) |
| Dam Length | 380 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.8K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.4K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 84 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 590 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1958 (68 years old) |
| NID ID | CO00640 |
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
SURFACE CREEK DITCH & RESERVOIR CO. (WAIBEL, KEITH
Private
Nearby Dams
Sheep Lake
Delta, CO
Low Hazard 25 ftDeep Slough
Delta, CO
High Hazard 21 ftAlexander Lake
Delta, CO
Low Hazard 11 ftArch Slough
Delta, CO
Low Hazard 15 ftIsland Lake
Delta, CO
Significant Hazard 18 ftLittle Gem
Delta, CO
Low Hazard 24 ftHotel Lake Dam
Delta, CO
High Hazard 21 ftWard Creek
Delta, CO
High Hazard 45 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Ward Lake?
Ward 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 Ward Lake?
Ward Lake is owned by SURFACE CREEK DITCH & RESERVOIR CO. (WAIBEL, KEITH (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Ward Lake built?
Ward Lake was completed in 1958, making it 68 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 Ward Lake?
Ward Lake 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 Ward Lake?
Ward Lake has a dam height of 27 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 Ward Lake last inspected?
Ward Lake was last inspected on June 24, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.