Located in Las Animas, Colorado, the Russel dam, also known as Russell Lake, is a privately owned structure designed by Ralph Adkins for irrigation purposes. Completed in 1967, this earth dam stands at a height of 16 feet and has a length of 260 feet, with a storage capacity of 480 acre-feet. The dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, fish and wildlife habitat, irrigation, and recreation.

The Russel dam is regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. The dam has a low hazard potential and is deemed to be in satisfactory condition as of the last inspection in July 2015. Despite its moderate risk assessment rating, the structure has not been modified in recent years, and emergency preparedness measures such as an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) are yet to be developed.

With its picturesque location along Crooked Creek-OS and its vital role in supporting various water resource activities in the area, Russel dam stands as a testament to the intersection of human engineering and environmental stewardship. Climate and water resource enthusiasts will find this structure intriguing for its design, purpose, and the ongoing efforts to ensure its safety and sustainability in the face of changing climate conditions.