Highland #3
Highland #3 is an earth dam located in Weld County, Colorado, built in 1881. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Highland #3
The primary purpose of Highland #3 is irrigation. The dam stores and diverts water for agricultural irrigation, supporting farming operations in the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Highland Ditch Company (wade Gonzales) (private). It impounds the St. Vrain Creek-os near La Salle.
The dam stands 21 feet tall and stretches 1,660 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 173 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 2,704 acre-feet. Completed in 1881, the structure is over a century old.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. 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 07/14/2021.
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Location
| State | Colorado |
| County | Weld |
| Nearest City | La Salle |
| River/Stream | St. Vrain Creek-os |
| Coordinates | 40.19131, -104.99328 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 21 ft |
| Dam Height | 21 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,660 ft |
| Year Completed | 1881 (145 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 2,704 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 2,704 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1,670 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 173 acres |
| Max Discharge | 1,950 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Irrigation |
| Owner | HIGHLAND DITCH COMPANY (WADE GONZALES) |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 07/14/2021 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CO01212 |
| Federal ID | CO01212 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |