Morgan Creek #1, located in Routt County, Colorado, is a privately owned dam constructed in 1908 primarily for irrigation purposes. The earth dam stands at a height of 29 feet and stretches 745 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 225 acre-feet. The dam serves to regulate water flow from Morgan Creek and covers a drainage area of 2 square miles, with a maximum discharge capacity of 467 cfs.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Morgan Creek #1 is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement by the Colorado Division of Water Resources. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled, measuring 25 feet in width, with no associated locks. The last inspection conducted in October 2014 deemed the dam to be in satisfactory condition, meeting regulatory guidelines, although a moderate risk assessment score of 3 indicates the need for ongoing risk management measures.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the history and engineering of irrigation infrastructure will find Morgan Creek #1 to be a fascinating case study. The dam's location in Hayden, Colorado, within the Omaha District, presents an opportunity for further exploration of how private ownership and state regulation intersect in managing water resources. With its century-old legacy and ongoing maintenance requirements, Morgan Creek #1 offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of sustaining vital water infrastructure in a changing climate landscape.