Richard Warne Flood Retention is a privately owned earth dam located in Elbert, Colorado, designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1979. This dam, with a height of 20 feet and a structural height of 40 feet, serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Running Creek-TR. With a normal storage capacity of 52 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 1995 cubic feet per second, it plays a crucial role in managing water flow and mitigating potential flooding in the area.

The dam, with a surface area of 10 acres and a drainage area of 1 square mile, has a low hazard potential and is assessed to be in satisfactory condition as of the last inspection in 2009. Despite its moderate risk assessment rating, the dam meets regulatory standards and undergoes regular state inspection, enforcement, and permitting processes. With a spillway width of 94 feet and an uncontrolled spillway type, Richard Warne Flood Retention demonstrates a commitment to effective water resource management and climate resilience in the region.

Overall, Richard Warne Flood Retention serves as a vital infrastructure for flood risk reduction in Elbert, Colorado. Managed by private owners under state jurisdiction, the dam's design and construction by the Natural Resources Conservation Service reflect a dedication to sustainable water resource management. With its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition, this dam continues to play a significant role in protecting the local community from potential flooding events, showcasing the importance of proactive water infrastructure planning in the face of changing climate conditions.