Located in Maybell, Colorado, D.D. & E. Wise, also known as Aldrich Lake, is a privately owned irrigation dam with a significant hazard potential. Completed in 1946, this earth dam stands at 41 feet high and spans 340 feet in length, providing essential water storage of 1,244 acre-feet for agricultural purposes. The dam serves multiple functions, including fire protection, stock watering, and irrigation, making it a crucial water resource for the region.

Managed by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, D.D. & E. Wise is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its safe operation. Although the dam's condition assessment was rated as "fair" during the last inspection in June 2019, its moderate risk level indicates the importance of ongoing risk management measures. With a spillway width of 15 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 495 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a critical role in controlling water flow from the Milk Creek-TR watershed, supporting both agricultural activities and water supply needs in the area.

As a key feature in the local water infrastructure, D.D. & E. Wise represents the intersection of water resource management, climate resilience, and agricultural sustainability. With its historical significance and ongoing regulatory oversight, this dam serves as a vital asset for the community, highlighting the importance of maintaining and monitoring such critical infrastructure in the face of changing climate conditions and increasing water demands.