Prewitt, located in Merino, Colorado, is a privately owned irrigation dam on the South Platte River. Built in 1912, this Earth type dam stands at 43 feet high, with a length of 15,400 feet and a storage capacity of 51,387 acre-feet. The dam serves the primary purpose of irrigation and has a normal storage capacity of 28,840 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 2,329 acres.

Despite its historical significance, Prewitt poses a high hazard potential, with an unsatisfactory condition assessment as of November 2020. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled, with a width of 106 feet. The risk assessment for Prewitt is moderate, indicating a potential for adverse outcomes if the dam were to fail. While the dam is state-regulated and inspected annually, there are no records of federal involvement in its ownership, funding, design, construction, or regulation.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the engineering and management aspects of dams will find Prewitt a compelling case study. With its rich history, strategic location, and potential risks, Prewitt serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining and monitoring critical infrastructure to ensure the safety and sustainability of water resources in Colorado and beyond.