Dawson, also known as Lambert, is a private irrigation dam located in Plateau City, Mesa County, Colorado. Completed in 1911, this earth dam stands at a height of 18 feet and has a maximum storage capacity of 290 acre-feet. The dam's primary purpose is irrigation, with a normal storage capacity of 219 acre-feet and a surface area of 29 acres.

Managed by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, Dawson has a state-regulated status with permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place. The dam has undergone modifications over the years, with updates in 1968 and subsequent structural improvements in 1998 and 2002. With a low hazard potential and a fair condition assessment as of the last inspection in August 2018, Dawson poses a moderate risk level with risk management measures yet to be specified.

Despite its moderate risk profile, Dawson remains a vital water resource structure in the region, providing irrigation water for agricultural activities in the area. Climate enthusiasts and water resource professionals can appreciate the history, design, and operational details of Dawson as a key element in the local water management system. Its location on the East Fork Big Creek-TR and its role in sustaining the surrounding landscape make Dawson a noteworthy asset in Colorado's water infrastructure.