Located in Sedgwick, Colorado, Floodwater Retention Dam Ss-4.5 is a local government-owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS to mitigate flood risks along the South Platte River. Completed in 1983, this earth dam stands at a height of 31 feet with a hydraulic height of 23 feet, providing a storage capacity of 246 acre-feet. With a primary purpose of flood risk reduction, the dam has a low hazard potential and is currently in satisfactory condition.

The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 52 feet and has a maximum discharge capacity of 1053 cubic feet per second. It covers a surface area of 18 acres and serves a drainage area of 1 square mile. Despite being inspected in 2015 and deemed satisfactory, the dam has an inspection frequency of 3 years to ensure its continued safety and effectiveness in flood control. With moderate risk assessment, Floodwater Retention Dam Ss-4.5 plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding community from potential flood events in the region.

In case of emergencies, the dam does not have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) prepared, and there is no updated information regarding its adherence to guidelines or the availability of inundation maps. Nevertheless, its strategic location and design make it a valuable asset in managing floodwaters and safeguarding the local area against the impacts of extreme weather events.