Cottonwood #1, located in Mesa County, Colorado, is a historic earth dam completed in 1894 for irrigation purposes along the Cottonwood Creek. With a height of 31 feet and a storage capacity of 2393 acre-feet, this dam plays a crucial role in water supply management in the region. It also serves for hydroelectric generation, recreation, and flood control, making it a multifunctional structure.

Despite its age, Cottonwood #1 has undergone modifications in 1960 and 2000 to enhance its hydraulic, mechanical, and structural features. The dam has a spillway width of 60 feet and is equipped with slide (sluice gate) outlet gates to manage water flow efficiently. While it has a hazard potential classified as high, the condition assessment in 2020 rated it as fair, indicating the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its safety and functionality for the community.

With its rich history and significant role in water resource management, Cottonwood #1 stands as a testament to the long-standing importance of dams in supporting agricultural and recreational activities while addressing the challenges of water supply and flood control in the region. As climate change continues to impact water resources, structures like Cottonwood #1 serve as vital infrastructure for sustainable water management and resilience against changing environmental conditions.