Woods Lake

CACHE LA POUDRE R-TR· Weld, Colorado· Built 1892· Earth· 26 ft tall
Significant Hazard Irrigation Recreation Water Supply Private

Key Takeaway

Woods Lake is classified as significant hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1892 and is 134 years old. Its primary use is irrigation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 26 ft (taller than 56.3% in CO)
Dam Length550 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage3.6K acre-ft
Normal Storage2.9K acre-ft
Surface Area209 acres
Drainage Area4 sq mi
Max Discharge9,146 cfs
Year Completed1892 (134 years old)
Year Modified2000
NID IDCO00856

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: September 23, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR

Ownership

WOODS LAKE MUTUAL WATER & IRRIG. CO. (BOOTH, GARY)

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Woods Lake?

Woods Lake is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Woods Lake?

Woods Lake is owned by WOODS LAKE MUTUAL WATER & IRRIG. CO. (BOOTH, GARY) (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Woods Lake built?

Woods Lake was completed in 1892, making it 134 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 Woods Lake?

Woods Lake 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 Woods Lake?

Woods Lake has a dam height of 26 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 Woods Lake last inspected?

Woods Lake was last inspected on September 23, 2021. 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.