Wadley #3 is a private irrigation dam located in Adams County, Colorado, along the Big Dry Creek-OS. Built in 1908, this Earth dam stands at a height of 13 feet and spans 1050 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 67 acre-feet. Despite its age, the dam is considered to have a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its current condition.

While the dam has not been inspected since 1985, it is still regulated, permitted, and inspected by the Colorado Division of Water Resources. The primary purpose of Wadley #3 is irrigation, and it serves as a crucial water resource for the surrounding area. With a maximum discharge rate of 168 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a significant role in managing water flow and storage in the region.

Although the dam poses a high risk due to its age and lack of recent assessments, it continues to provide essential irrigation water for the community. As climate change impacts water resources, ensuring the safety and efficiency of dams like Wadley #3 becomes increasingly important for sustainable water management in the face of evolving environmental challenges.