Big Sandy Creek Watershed S-17, also known as Ververs South, is a crucial flood risk reduction structure located in El Paso County, Colorado. This earth dam, designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1959, stands at a height of 40 feet and stretches to a length of 2387 feet. With a normal storage capacity of 371 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 7603 cubic feet per second, this structure plays a vital role in managing water flow and reducing flood risks in the Big Sandy Creek-TR river system.

Managed by the local government in Simla, Colorado, Big Sandy Creek Watershed S-17 is regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources to ensure its proper maintenance and operation. Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, the structure poses a high risk (2) due to its critical role in flood risk reduction within the region. With a last inspection date in October 2020 and an inspection frequency of 3 years, efforts are consistently made to monitor and manage the structure to meet regulatory standards and protect the surrounding communities and environment.

The importance of Big Sandy Creek Watershed S-17 lies in its essential function of flood risk reduction, providing a protective barrier against potential inundation and safeguarding the local area from water-related disasters. With a history dating back to its completion in 1959, this earth dam continues to serve as a vital component of water resource management in the region, highlighting the ongoing efforts to maintain and improve infrastructure for climate resilience and water security in El Paso County, Colorado.