Groundhog is a privately owned dam located in Dolores, Colorado, and serves multiple purposes including irrigation, fire protection, stock, small fish pond, and recreation. Completed in 1939, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 115 feet and has a storage capacity of 32,450 acre-feet. Groundhog Creek is the main river/stream that the dam controls, with a drainage area of 15 square miles.

Despite being privately owned, the state of Colorado regulates and inspects Groundhog Dam, ensuring its safe operation. The dam has a spillway width of 120 feet and is equipped with two slide (sluice gate) outlet gates. With a hazard potential rated as high and a fair condition assessment, Groundhog Dam requires regular inspections to ensure its continued safety. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate, indicating a need for proactive risk management measures.

Overall, Groundhog Dam is a vital water resource infrastructure in Colorado, providing essential services for irrigation and other purposes. Its historical significance, combined with its current regulatory oversight and risk assessment, highlights the importance of maintaining and monitoring this dam for the surrounding community and ecosystem. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Groundhog Dam serves as a focal point for understanding the intersection of human infrastructure and natural water systems in a changing climate.