Vela is a privately owned irrigation dam located in Cedaredge, Colorado, along the Surface Creek. Completed in 1959, this earth dam stands at a height of 37 feet and has a storage capacity of 517 acre-feet. The dam serves the primary purpose of irrigation, with a normal storage capacity of 437 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 1099 cubic feet per second.

Although Vela has a low hazard potential and is currently assessed to be in fair condition, it is subject to state regulation and inspection by the Colorado Division of Water Resources. The dam features a slide and uncontrolled gates as outlet structures, with a spillway width of 32 feet. Despite being classified as a low-risk structure, Vela falls under high-risk management due to its location and potential impact in case of emergencies. The dam is vital for agricultural water supply in the area and contributes to the sustainability of water resources in the region.