Empire (Outlet Embankment), also known as New Empire Reservoir, is a private-owned structure located in Orchard, Weld County, Colorado. This dam was completed in 1905 and serves a primary purpose of creating a Fish and Wildlife Pond, while also supporting irrigation and recreational activities. The dam is an earth type structure with a height of 34 feet and a length of 2300 feet, providing a storage capacity of 44,000 acre-feet.

The Empire (Outlet Embankment) dam has a high hazard potential and is under state jurisdiction, regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources. It has a satisfactory condition assessment as of July 2020 and a moderate risk level. With a drainage area of 11 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 1180 cubic feet per second, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the South Platte River basin.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Empire (Outlet Embankment) represents a historic and essential infrastructure in Colorado's water management system. Its role in providing habitat for fish and wildlife, supporting irrigation needs, and offering recreational opportunities underscores the importance of maintaining and monitoring such structures to ensure the safety and sustainability of water resources in the region.