Located in Larimer County, Colorado, Erie Lake is a private fish and wildlife pond with a primary purpose of supporting wildlife. Built in 1900, this Earth dam stands at a height of 10 feet and has a length of 150 feet, providing a maximum storage capacity of 98 acre-feet. With a normal storage capacity of 70 acre-feet and a surface area of 14 acres, Erie Lake serves as a recreational spot for residents of Fort Collins and surrounding areas.

Despite being a low hazard potential structure, Erie Lake is regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement mechanisms in place. With a high risk assessment rating of 2, there are considerations for risk management measures to ensure the safety and integrity of the dam. Even though the dam's condition assessment is currently not rated, the emergency action plan and inundation maps are yet to be prepared, signifying a need for proactive measures to address potential risks and emergencies that may arise in the future. Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Erie Lake an intriguing site for observing the intersection of human intervention and natural ecosystems in a picturesque Colorado setting.