Walden, a privately owned dam located in Jackson County, Colorado, serves primarily for irrigation purposes. Built in 1955, this earth-type dam stands at 22 feet high and stretches 500 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 5031 acre-feet. The dam, situated on the Illinois River-OS, has a spillway width of 15 feet and a maximum discharge rate of 691 cubic feet per second. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Walden is subject to state regulatory oversight from the Colorado Division of Water Resources for inspections, permitting, and enforcement.

With its satisfactory condition assessment and moderate risk level, Walden remains a vital asset for water management in the region. The dam's emergency action plan status, however, is unclear, presenting a potential area for improvement in terms of preparedness and risk mitigation. Being in a remote location, Walden provides a glimpse into the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience, highlighting the importance of maintaining infrastructure to ensure water security for agricultural needs and environmental sustainability. As a significant feature in the Sacramento District and under state jurisdiction, Walden showcases the intricate balance between human intervention and natural resource management in the face of changing climate patterns.