Mcchivvis is a privately owned dam located in Routt County, Colorado, specifically in the city of Yampa. Built in 1951 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam serves the primary purpose of irrigation along Watson Creek. With a height of 51 feet and a maximum storage capacity of 317 acre-feet, Mcchivvis covers a surface area of 25 acres and has a drainage area of 1 square mile.

Despite being inspected regularly and deemed to have a low hazard potential and fair condition, Mcchivvis poses a moderate risk due to its age and the surrounding environmental factors. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 29 feet, allowing for a maximum discharge of 706 cubic feet per second. The dam has not undergone any significant modifications in recent years and is subject to state regulation and inspection by the Department of Water Resources.

With its location in the picturesque Colorado landscape and its vital role in supporting local irrigation needs, Mcchivvis stands as a testament to the importance of water resource management in the face of changing climate patterns. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate resilience will find Mcchivvis to be a fascinating case study in the intersection of infrastructure, regulation, and environmental stewardship.