Kiowa Creek Watershed L-42 is a privately owned earth dam located in Elbert County, Colorado, designed by the U.S. Soil Conservation Service, USDA NRCS. Completed in 1956, this dam serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Kiowa Creek-TR. With a height of 25 feet and a length of 581 feet, it has a storage capacity of 50 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0 square miles. The dam has a low hazard potential and is in satisfactory condition, last inspected in November 2016.

Managed by the Colorado Division of Water Resources, Kiowa Creek Watershed L-42 falls under state regulation, with permits, inspections, and enforcement in place. The dam has an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with a maximum discharge capacity of 1,347 cubic feet per second. While the risk assessment for this dam is moderate, there are no specific risk management measures or emergency action plans currently in place. The dam is located in an area represented by Congressman Ken Buck (R) and is under the jurisdiction of the DWR.

Overall, Kiowa Creek Watershed L-42 is a vital structure in the management of flood risk in Elbert County, Colorado. With its strategic location and design, this dam plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the details and maintenance of such structures is essential for ensuring the safety and sustainability of our water systems.