Ruby Lee is a privately owned irrigation dam located in Mesa County, Colorado, specifically in the city of Fruita. Built in 1922, this earth dam stands at 50 feet in height and has a length of 435 feet, providing a storage capacity of 124 acre-feet. The dam serves multiple purposes including irrigation, fire protection, stock watering, and small fish pond maintenance, with a maximum discharge capacity of 116 cubic feet per second.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Ruby Lee poses a moderate risk due to its age and condition assessment being not rated. The 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 spillway of Ruby Lee is uncontrolled, with a width of 12 feet, and the dam is situated on the Big Salt Wash-TR river or stream, providing water resource enthusiasts with a unique opportunity to study and appreciate its role in managing water resources in the area.

Enthusiasts interested in the intersection of water resources and climate change can find Ruby Lee to be a fascinating case study in how aging infrastructure is managed and regulated in the face of evolving environmental conditions. With a history dating back almost a century, this privately owned dam highlights the importance of ongoing risk assessment and management measures to ensure the safety and efficiency of water storage and distribution systems in the region. Its location in the scenic landscape of Mesa County, Colorado adds to its appeal for those looking to explore the impact of human interventions on natural water systems.