Sharps Orchard, located in Huerfano County, Colorado, is a private irrigation dam built in 1896 on the Walsen Arroyo-OS river/stream. With a height of 16 feet and a length of 2050 feet, this earth dam serves the primary purpose of providing water for irrigation. The dam has a storage capacity of 90 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 45 acre-feet and a surface area of 11 acres.

Despite being classified as having low hazard potential, the condition assessment of Sharps Orchard dam was deemed unsatisfactory during the last inspection in December 2012. The dam has an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 50 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 1470 cubic feet per second. While the risk assessment for the dam is moderate, there are no specific risk management measures or emergency action plans currently in place.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in Sharps Orchard may be intrigued by its historical significance as an early irrigation infrastructure in Colorado. The dam's location in the scenic Fowler city area adds to its appeal, but the need for further inspection, maintenance, and risk management measures to ensure the safety and longevity of this vital water resource is evident.