Thompson #2 is a privately owned dam located in Mesa County, Colorado, near the city of Dewey. The dam was completed in 1953 by the USDA NRCS and serves the primary purpose of irrigation, with a maximum storage capacity of 393 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 243 acre-feet. The dam, which is an earth-fill structure with a height of 32 feet, is situated on the Trail Canyon Wash and covers a surface area of 30 acres.

Despite being categorized as having a low hazard potential, Thompson #2 is subject to state regulation and inspection by the Colorado Division of Water Resources. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway type and is equipped with slide and uncontrolled outlet gates. However, the last inspection of the dam was conducted in May 1994, highlighting the need for updated assessments of its condition and risk management measures. With a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, it is crucial for stakeholders to ensure that the necessary emergency preparedness protocols are in place to mitigate any potential hazards associated with the dam.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Thompson #2 to be an intriguing case study of a privately owned irrigation dam in the western United States. The dam's location in a semi-arid region underscores the importance of efficient water management practices for agricultural purposes. As discussions around climate change and water scarcity continue to gain prominence, the responsible maintenance and operation of dams like Thompson #2 are essential for sustainable water resource management in the face of evolving environmental challenges.