Hinkley, also known as Mountain Supply #18, is a private irrigation dam located in Larimer County, Colorado. Completed in 1906, this earth dam stands at a height of 26 feet and spans a length of 1125 feet, providing a storage capacity of 1099 acre-feet. Situated on Boxelder Creek, Hinkley serves as a vital source of water for agricultural purposes in the region.

Managed by the Colorado Department of Water Resources (DWR), Hinkley is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state to ensure its safety and functionality. With a low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment as of September 2019, this dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the area. Its uncontrolled spillway, with a width of 55 feet, can handle a maximum discharge of 892 cubic feet per second.

Climate enthusiasts and water resource experts interested in the infrastructure and management of dams will find Hinkley to be a fascinating case study. From its historical significance to its current regulatory framework and risk assessment, Hinkley represents a balance between human intervention in water systems and the need for sustainable resource management. As part of the larger network of dams in Colorado, Hinkley contributes to the irrigation needs of the region while also highlighting the importance of maintaining infrastructure for future generations.