Guanella is a captivating water supply dam located in Clear Creek, Colorado, in the city of Empire. Completed in 2004, this earth-type dam stands at a height of 34 feet and boasts a hydraulic height of 33 feet, with a structural height of 40 feet. With a maximum storage capacity of 1660 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 1340 acre-feet, Guanella serves as a crucial source of water for the region. The dam spans 1950 feet in length and covers a surface area of 52 acres, regulating the flow of the West Fork of Clear Creek-OS.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the Colorado Division of Water Resources, Guanella has been assessed as having a high hazard potential but remains in satisfactory condition. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 5 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 237 cubic feet per second. Despite its moderate risk rating, the dam meets regulatory guidelines and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and reliability for water resource management in the area. With its strategic location and vital role in water supply, Guanella stands as a testament to effective dam design and management in the face of changing climate conditions.