Located in Lakin, Kansas, Kelsey #1 is a privately owned irrigation dam on North Horse Creek-TR in Kiowa County, Colorado. Built in 1959, this earth dam stands at 26 feet high and spans 536 feet in length, providing a maximum storage capacity of 69 acre-feet. With a primary purpose of irrigation, the dam also serves functions such as fire protection, stock watering, and fish and wildlife habitat enhancement.

Despite being categorized as having a low hazard potential, Kelsey #1 is considered to have a high risk level due to its condition assessment not being rated. The last inspection of the dam was conducted in 1987, and it is currently not subject to regular inspection. The absence of an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and other risk management measures raises concerns about the dam's overall safety and readiness to handle potential emergencies.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Kelsey #1 presents an intriguing case study of a privately owned irrigation dam in need of updated inspection, maintenance, and emergency preparedness. The data surrounding this dam highlights the importance of regular monitoring and risk assessment for maintaining the safety and functionality of critical water infrastructure in the face of changing climate conditions and increasing water resource demands.