Bull Canal (main Reservoir)
Bull Canal (main Reservoir) is an earth dam located in Weld County, Colorado, built in 1982. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Bull Canal (main Reservoir)
The primary purpose of Bull Canal (main Reservoir) is irrigation. The dam stores and diverts water for agricultural irrigation, supporting farming operations in the surrounding area. The dam is owned by City Of Northglenn (kent Kisselman) (local government). It impounds the Big Dry Creek-os near Fort Lupton.
The dam stands 65 feet tall and stretches 10,491 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 137 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 4,548 acre-feet. Completed in 1982, the structure is 44 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. 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 10/05/2022.
At 65 feet, this dam is taller than 96% 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 | Weld |
| Nearest City | Fort Lupton |
| River/Stream | Big Dry Creek-os |
| Coordinates | 40.01455, -104.95960 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 65 ft |
| Dam Height | 35 ft |
| Dam Length | 10,491 ft |
| Year Completed | 1982 (44 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 4,548 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 4,548 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 4,000 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 137 acres |
| Max Discharge | 165 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Irrigation |
| Owner | CITY OF NORTHGLENN (KENT KISSELMAN) |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 10/05/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CO02666 |
| Federal ID | CO02666 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |