Max Killian Dam #1, located in Elbert, Colorado, is a privately owned earthen dam with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction. Built in 1971 by the U.S. Soil Conservation Service, USDA NRCS, this dam stands at a height of 26 feet and has a hydraulic height of 25 feet, with a structural height of 34 feet. It spans 565 feet in length and has a storage capacity of 165 acre-feet, serving as a crucial structure for fire protection, stock, small fish pond, and flood risk reduction in the area.

Situated on the West Bijou Creek, Max Killian Dam #1 is regulated by the Colorado Division of Water Resources, with state jurisdiction and permitting in place. The dam has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating of 3. While it has not been inspected since 1998, the dam's condition is currently not rated, and emergency action plans are yet to be prepared. With its stone core and soil foundation, this dam plays a vital role in managing water resources and protecting the surrounding community from potential flooding events.

Despite its age, Max Killian Dam #1 continues to serve as a crucial infrastructure for flood risk reduction in Elbert, Colorado. Its strategic location, design, and maintenance by the Natural Resources Conservation Service ensure that the dam remains a reliable structure for protecting the area from potential water-related disasters. As climate change impacts intensify, the importance of such dams in managing water resources and mitigating flood risks cannot be understated, making Max Killian Dam #1 a valuable asset in the region's resilience against changing environmental conditions.