Cattail #1 is a privately owned Earth dam located in Larimer, Colorado, along the Big Thompson River. Built in 1966 by the USDA NRCS, this dam stands at a height of 22 feet and has a length of 1,172 feet, providing flood risk reduction to the surrounding area. With a storage capacity of 91 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 5,733 cubic feet per second, Cattail #1 plays a crucial role in managing water flow and protecting the local community from potential flooding events.

The dam is regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam is considered to have a moderate risk level, highlighting the importance of proper risk management measures. While the condition assessment of Cattail #1 is currently listed as "Not Rated," the dam continues to serve its primary purpose of flood risk reduction effectively and remains a key component of Colorado's water resource infrastructure.

Overall, Cattail #1 serves as a vital piece of water resource management in the region, showcasing the collaboration between private owners and government agencies to protect the community from potential flooding risks. With its strategic location along the Big Thompson River and its significant storage capacity, this Earth dam plays a critical role in safeguarding the surrounding area and managing water flow effectively. As climate change continues to impact water resources, dams like Cattail #1 will become increasingly essential in ensuring the resilience and sustainability of water infrastructure in Colorado.