Blue Lake #1, located in Telluride, Colorado, is a privately owned earth dam constructed in 1903 for water supply purposes, specifically irrigation and water supply. With a height of 13 feet and a length of 100 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 601 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 52 acres. The dam is regulated by the Colorado Division of Water Resources and is subject to regular inspections, with the last assessment in August 2015 rating its condition as unsatisfactory.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Blue Lake #1 poses a high risk due to its outdated infrastructure and the lack of emergency action plans in place. The dam has no spillway and relies on uncontrolled outlets, raising concerns about its ability to handle maximum discharge levels. With a risk assessment rating of 2, there is a pressing need for updated risk management measures and the development of emergency preparedness protocols to mitigate potential hazards and ensure the safety of downstream communities in the event of a dam failure. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Blue Lake #1 serves as a case study highlighting the importance of proactive maintenance and risk assessment for aging dam infrastructure.