Aqua Fria, located in Jackson, Colorado, is a privately owned irrigation dam on Beaver Creek. Completed in 1944, this earth dam stands at 19 feet high and has a maximum storage capacity of 792 acre-feet, with a normal storage of 550 acre-feet. With a surface area of 44 acres and a drainage area of 2 square miles, Aqua Fria plays a crucial role in providing water for agricultural purposes in the surrounding area.

Managed by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, Aqua Fria is regularly inspected and meets state regulatory standards for operation and maintenance. The dam has a low hazard potential and is considered to be in fair condition as of the last assessment in 2016. Despite its age, Aqua Fria continues to be a vital resource for water management, with a spillway width of 16 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 1500 cubic feet per second.

As climate change continues to impact water resources, Aqua Fria serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining and upgrading infrastructure to ensure water security for agricultural activities and local communities. With its moderate risk assessment and ongoing risk management measures, Aqua Fria stands as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of water resource management in the face of changing environmental conditions.