Rubeck No. 1 is a privately owned earth dam located in Elbert, Colorado, with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the WEST BIJOU CREEK-TR. Built in 1971 by the USDA NRCS, this dam stands at a height of 29 feet and has a hydraulic height of 25 feet. With a storage capacity of 165 acre-feet and a normal storage of 100 acre-feet, Rubeck No. 1 covers a surface area of 13 acres and serves a drainage area of 2 square miles.

Despite its age, Rubeck No. 1 is in fair condition and has a low hazard potential. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 109 feet, capable of handling a maximum discharge of 2700 cubic feet per second. While the last inspection was conducted in April 2008, with a frequency of every 3 years, the dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the Colorado Department of Water Resources. This moderate risk dam plays a crucial role in protecting the FONDIS community from potential flooding events.

With its strategic location and design, Rubeck No. 1 showcases the importance of effective dam infrastructure for flood risk reduction in Colorado. As a significant asset managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this dam not only provides vital protection to the surrounding area but also highlights the ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and resilience of water resources in the region. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Rubeck No. 1 serves as a noteworthy example of sustainable infrastructure supporting environmental conservation and community safety.