Warren Lake

CACHE LA POUDRE· Larimer, Colorado· Built 1882· Earth· 23 ft tall
High Hazard Irrigation Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Warren Lake is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1882 and is 144 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 23 ft (taller than 47.2% in CO)
Dam Length4,500 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage2.8K acre-ft
Normal Storage2.2K acre-ft
Surface Area166 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge1,045 cfs
Year Completed1882 (144 years old)
NID IDCO00852

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 14, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR

Ownership

BUICK, MELISSA

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Warren Lake?

Warren 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 Warren Lake?

Warren Lake is owned by BUICK, MELISSA (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Warren Lake built?

Warren Lake was completed in 1882, making it 144 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 Warren Lake?

Warren 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 Warren Lake?

Warren Lake has a dam height of 23 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 Warren Lake last inspected?

Warren Lake was last inspected on September 14, 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.