Warren Lake
Warren Lake is an earth dam located in Larimer County, Colorado, built in 1882. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Warren Lake
The primary purpose of Warren Lake is irrigation. The dam stores and diverts water for agricultural irrigation, supporting farming operations in the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Buick, Melissa (private). It impounds the Cache La Poudre near Windsor.
The dam stands 23 feet tall and stretches 4,500 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 166 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 2,794 acre-feet. Completed in 1882, 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 09/14/2022.
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 | Windsor |
| River/Stream | Cache La Poudre |
| Coordinates | 40.53509, -105.05480 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 23 ft |
| Dam Height | 23 ft |
| Dam Length | 4,500 ft |
| Year Completed | 1882 (144 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 2,794 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 2,794 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2,185 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 166 acres |
| Max Discharge | 1,045 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Irrigation |
| Owner | BUICK, MELISSA |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 09/14/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CO00852 |
| Federal ID | CO00852 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |