Floodwater Retention B-2, located in Larimer County, Colorado, is a privately owned earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS to primarily reduce flood risk along Boxelder Creek. Completed in 1982, this dam stands at a height of 66 feet and has a storage capacity of 12,005 acre-feet, with a normal storage capacity of 6,470 acre-feet. With a surface area of 457 acres and a drainage area of 111 square miles, Floodwater Retention B-2 plays a crucial role in mitigating the impact of potential flooding events in the region.

This high-hazard potential dam has a satisfactory condition assessment as of October 2019 and undergoes inspection every three years to ensure its structural integrity and functionality. Though it lacks a spillway, Floodwater Retention B-2 is equipped with emergency action plans and meets regulatory guidelines to manage potential risks effectively. With its strategic location and design, this dam serves as a vital infrastructure for flood risk reduction in Wellington, Colorado, and highlights the importance of water resource management in the face of changing climate dynamics.

As climate change continues to influence weather patterns and increase the frequency of extreme precipitation events, the role of dams like Floodwater Retention B-2 becomes even more significant in safeguarding communities and ecosystems from the impacts of flooding. With its substantial storage capacity and effective risk management measures, this earth dam stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of government agencies and private stakeholders in ensuring water resource resilience in the face of a changing climate.