Paulson is a privately owned dam located in Delta, Colorado, along the Gunnison River. Built in 1963 for irrigation purposes, this Earth dam stands at 19 feet high and has a storage capacity of 124 acre-feet. With a length of 824 feet and a spillway width of 25 feet, Paulson has a low hazard potential and is classified as being in fair condition as of its last inspection in 2016.

Although Paulson is regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement, it does not have associated structures or locks. The dam's primary purpose is to provide water for irrigation, with a normal storage capacity of 64 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 864 cubic feet per second. Despite its risk assessment being classified as high, the dam has not undergone any major modifications in recent years and is equipped with slide and uncontrolled gates as outlet structures.

Overall, Paulson serves as a key component of the water resource infrastructure in the region, ensuring a stable water supply for agricultural activities while also contributing to the overall management of the Gunnison River. As climate change continues to affect water availability and usage patterns, dams like Paulson play a crucial role in water conservation and management efforts in Colorado.