Carter Lake Dam 2
Carter Lake Dam 2 is an earth dam located in Larimer County, Colorado, built in 1952. It carries a High hazard potential classification.
About Carter Lake Dam 2
The primary purpose of Carter Lake Dam 2 is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. The dam is owned by Bureau Of Reclamation (federal). It impounds the Dry Creek-tr near Berthoud.
The dam stands 75 feet tall and stretches 1,150 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 3,551 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 116,837 acre-feet. Completed in 1952, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years 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. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 09/17/2020.
At 75 feet, this dam is taller than 97% of all dams in the United States.
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 | Berthoud |
| River/Stream | Dry Creek-tr |
| Coordinates | 40.33980, -105.20700 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 75 ft |
| Dam Height | 55 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,150 ft |
| Year Completed | 1952 (74 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 116,837 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 116,837 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 112,200 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 3,551 acres |
| Spillway Type | None |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | BUREAU OF RECLAMATION |
| Owner Type | Federal |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Not Available |
| Last Inspection | 09/17/2020 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CO01650 |
| Federal ID | CO01650S001 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |