Bowles #1
Bowles #1 is an earth dam located in Jefferson County, Colorado, built in 1973. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Bowles #1
The primary purpose of Bowles #1 is irrigation. The dam stores and diverts water for agricultural irrigation, supporting farming operations in the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Joseph Bowles Reservoir Co. (private). It impounds the South Platte River-os near Bowmar.
The dam stands 25 feet tall and stretches 6,000 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 160 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 3,115 acre-feet. Completed in 1973, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years 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 03/23/2022.
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Location
| State | Colorado |
| County | Jefferson |
| Nearest City | Bowmar |
| River/Stream | South Platte River-os |
| Coordinates | 39.62065, -105.06628 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 25 ft |
| Dam Height | 20 ft |
| Dam Length | 6,000 ft |
| Year Completed | 1973 (53 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 3,115 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 3,115 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2,475 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 160 acres |
| Max Discharge | 1,080 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Irrigation |
| Owner | JOSEPH BOWLES RESERVOIR CO. |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 03/23/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CO01822 |
| Federal ID | CO01822 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |