Hourglass
Hourglass is an earth dam located in Larimer County, Colorado, built in 1898. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Hourglass
The primary purpose of Hourglass is irrigation. The dam stores and diverts water for agricultural irrigation, supporting farming operations in the surrounding area. The dam is owned by City Of Greeley Dept. Of Water Resources (gustafso (local government). It impounds the Beaver Creek-tr near Fort Collins.
The dam stands 46 feet tall and stretches 2,400 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 76 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 2,180 acre-feet. Completed in 1898, the structure is over a century old.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 08/03/2022.
At 46 feet, this dam is taller than 91% of dams nationwide.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Colorado dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Colorado |
| County | Larimer |
| Nearest City | Fort Collins |
| River/Stream | Beaver Creek-tr |
| Coordinates | 40.58226, -105.63145 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 46 ft |
| Dam Height | 45 ft |
| Dam Length | 2,400 ft |
| Year Completed | 1898 (128 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 2,180 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 2,180 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1,729 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 76 acres |
| Max Discharge | 5,930 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Irrigation |
| Owner | CITY OF GREELEY DEPT. OF WATER RESOURCES (GUSTAFSO |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 08/03/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CO00138 |
| Federal ID | CO00138 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |