Flatiron Dam
Flatiron Dam is an earth dam located in Larimer County, Colorado, built in 1953. It carries a High hazard potential classification.
About Flatiron Dam
The primary purpose of Flatiron Dam 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, Chimney Hollow Creek near Loveland.
The dam stands 86 feet tall and stretches 1,725 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 381,500 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 1,136 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 7 square miles. Completed in 1953, 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 04/06/2021.
At 86 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 | Loveland |
| River/Stream | Dry Creek-tr, Chimney Hollow Creek |
| Coordinates | 40.37290, -105.22860 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 86 ft |
| Dam Height | 86 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,725 ft |
| Year Completed | 1953 (73 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 1,136 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 1,136 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 760 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 381,500 acres |
| Drainage Area | 7 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 23,600 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | BUREAU OF RECLAMATION |
| Owner Type | Federal |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Not Available |
| Last Inspection | 04/06/2021 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CO01654 |
| Federal ID | CO01654 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |