Hardesty, located in Fowler, Colorado, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1905 for multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and a small fish pond. This dam is regulated by the Colorado Division of Water Resources and is inspected regularly to ensure its structural integrity. With a height of 25 feet and a length of 600 feet, Hardesty has a storage capacity of 2869 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 326 acres.

Despite its age, Hardesty has been assessed to be in fair condition with a low hazard potential. The dam has a spillway width of 75 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 1052 cubic feet per second. In case of emergencies, the dam's Emergency Action Plan (EAP) status is currently unknown. The risk assessment for Hardesty is rated as moderate, with measures for risk management yet to be determined.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Hardesty provides a fascinating example of early dam construction and the importance of regular maintenance and inspection. Its location on the Mustang-OS river system in Pueblo County, Colorado, showcases the intersection of human infrastructure with natural water systems. As efforts continue to manage and mitigate risks associated with aging dams, the story of Hardesty serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges and responsibilities in safeguarding our water resources.