Coppinger #1 is a privately owned earth dam located on the East Fork Mud Creek-TR in Montezuma County, Colorado. Built in 1949 for irrigation purposes, the dam stands at a height of 21 feet with a length of 675 feet, providing a storage capacity of 51 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, the dam is regulated and inspected by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, ensuring its safety and compliance with state regulations.

The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and a slide (sluice gate) outlet gate for water release, with a maximum discharge capacity of 111 cubic feet per second. While the risk assessment categorizes Coppinger #1 as moderate, the dam has not been modified in recent years and is equipped with emergency action plans for potential incidents. Located in a remote area near Bluff, UT, the dam serves as a vital water resource for agricultural irrigation in the region, highlighting the importance of sustainable water management practices in the face of changing climate conditions.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the data on Coppinger #1 underscores the critical role of infrastructure like dams in supporting agricultural activities and water supply in arid regions like Colorado. By understanding the design, purpose, and regulatory oversight of dams like Coppinger #1, stakeholders can work towards enhancing the resilience and sustainability of water resources in the face of evolving climatic challenges. The information on Coppinger #1 serves as a valuable insight into the intersection of water management, infrastructure development, and climate adaptation in the Western United States.