Craig Raw Water, located in Moffat County, Colorado, is a vital public utility serving the community of MAYBELL. This water supply structure, completed in 1961, stands as an Earth dam with a height of 58 feet and a hydraulic height of 60 feet. With a maximum storage capacity of 992 acre-feet and a normal storage of 547 acre-feet, the dam plays a crucial role in ensuring water availability in the region, particularly sourced from the YAMPA RIVER-TR.

Maintained by the Colorado Division of Water Resources (DWR) and regulated by the state, Craig Raw Water has a significant hazard potential but is currently assessed as being in satisfactory condition as of September 2020. The dam has a spillway width of 12 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 1180 cubic feet per second. Despite its age, the structure meets moderate risk assessment levels and undergoes inspections every two years to ensure its operational safety and efficiency.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Craig Raw Water presents a fascinating case study of water infrastructure in a changing climate. As Colorado faces increasing water challenges due to warming temperatures and shifting precipitation patterns, the management and maintenance of dams like Craig Raw Water become even more critical. Understanding the role of such structures in water supply management and the associated risks and regulations is key to ensuring the resilience of water resources in the face of a changing climate.