Kiowa Creek Watershed Q-51 is a vital water resource in Elbert, Colorado, managed by the local government with oversight from the Department of Water Resources. This flood risk reduction structure, completed in 1956, is an earth dam with a height of 35 feet and a hydraulic height of 37 feet. It serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction and has a storage capacity of 54 acre-feet.

Located at S23, T.10S, R.64W, 6th PM, the dam spans 208 feet with a spillway width of 60 feet. Despite being classified as low hazard potential and in fair condition as of the last inspection in 2013, it poses a moderate risk due to its age and the need for regular maintenance. The dam's downstream area is noted to have a normal storage capacity of 36 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 2585 cubic feet per second.

Climate and water resource enthusiasts will find the Kiowa Creek Watershed Q-51 a fascinating example of infrastructure designed for flood risk management in Colorado. Its historical significance, design features, and risk assessment make it a noteworthy case study for those interested in the intersection of water management and environmental resilience.