Leyden Creek Community

Help Save Leyden Lake Reservoir

Dec 20, 1998

Pam Benedict and Jim O'Dowd are chairs of a committee formed to save Leyden Lake Reservoir. Pam hosted a meeting attended by State Representative Sue Windells to discuss what are the next steps for saving Leyden Lake Reservoir and the rural character of Leyden Creek Corridor.

Representative Sue Windells shared that negotiations are going on among the governments involved with Leyden Lake Reservoir. No property owners have been invited to participate in the discussions. She explained that Jefferson County Commissioners do not want citizens involved at this time. She volunteered to communicate with the Commissioners on behalf of county residents since the Commissioners do not return phone calls from residents.

At the present time none of the governments want to breach the dam. Yet, research by Jim O'Dowd indicates that a government entity is likley to acquire Leyden Lake Reservoir Dam and that agreements are being reached to release water from the dam.

Construction of a 24" pipe to release water is planned by the Ditch Company for this spring.

For over 100 years the dam has held back storm runoff. Now the entire drainage will empty into a narrow channel inadequate to contain all but the smallest storms. Residents could be facing a flow of 500 cubic feet in a storm condition similar to what Ft. Collins experienced last year. That is a wall of water 5 feet high, 100 feet wide and flowing at 5 to 20 mph.

We hope the City of Arvada and Jefferson County are concerned enough about the school, parks and homes of residents to allow impacted property owners to participate.




We recommend that folks start urging their elected officials to resolve this situation to the benefit of all - wildlife, recreation users, agricultural interests and downstream residents. Pam Benedict has volunteered to be a contact person for this issue. She can be reached at (303)423-5015.