Empire (Mcintyre Dike) is a historic dam located in Weld County, Colorado, along the South Platte River. Built in 1905, this Earth dam stands at a height of 35 feet and spans 4100 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 50,900 acre-feet for purposes like Fish and Wildlife Pond, Irrigation, and Recreation. Despite its age, the dam is in satisfactory condition and is regularly inspected by the state regulatory agency, DWR.

The dam's hazard potential is classified as high, indicating the need for vigilant risk management measures. With a drainage area of 11 square miles and a surface area of 2842 acres, Empire (Mcintyre Dike) plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region. The dam's normal storage capacity is 37,710 acre-feet, making it a significant reservoir for sustaining the local ecosystem.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Empire (Mcintyre Dike) presents an intriguing case study in dam infrastructure and risk assessment. Its location along the South Platte River and its crucial role in providing storage for fish and wildlife, irrigation, and recreation highlight the importance of maintaining and monitoring aging dams to ensure public safety and environmental sustainability in the face of changing climate conditions.