Elder, located in Larimer County, Colorado, is a privately owned dam that serves primarily for irrigation purposes along the Cache la Poudre River. Built in 1904, this Earth dam stands at a height of 21 feet and has a storage capacity of 1094 acre-feet. The dam also offers recreational opportunities in addition to its irrigation functions.

Managed and regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, Elder Dam is subject to regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and safety. With a high hazard potential due to its location and the volume of water it holds, the dam has been assessed as being in satisfactory condition as of the last inspection in May 2020. Despite the moderate risk associated with the dam, it continues to play a vital role in water resource management in the region.

Elder Dam, with its significant storage capacity and historical importance, serves as a crucial infrastructure for water management in Larimer County. As climate change impacts water resources, the proper maintenance and regulation of dams like Elder are essential to ensure the safety of communities downstream and the efficient allocation of water for irrigation and recreation activities. With its location along the Cache la Poudre River, Elder Dam stands as a testament to the intricate balance between water resource utilization and environmental conservation in Colorado.