Box Elder #1, located in Larimer County, Colorado, is a privately owned dam built in 1965 primarily for irrigation purposes. With a height of 9 feet and a length of 900 feet, this earth dam serves to store and regulate water from the Box Elder Creek. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam has a high risk assessment due to its critical role in water management in the area.

The dam has a normal storage capacity of 39 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 989 cubic feet per second. It lacks a spillway but is equipped with outlet gates for water control. Although the dam's condition assessment is not rated, it undergoes regular inspections every 6 years to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Given its importance for irrigation in the region, maintaining and monitoring Box Elder #1 is crucial for water resource and climate enthusiasts.

Overall, Box Elder #1 presents an interesting case study for water resource management, with its strategic location, purposeful design, and risk assessment highlighting the complexities and challenges of maintaining essential water infrastructure in the face of changing climate conditions. As a privately owned structure within a regulated state jurisdiction, the dam serves as a key component in the local water supply system and underscores the importance of proactive monitoring and maintenance to ensure its continued functionality and safety.