Big Monitor #2, located in Montrose, Colorado, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1946 for irrigation purposes on the Rouibideau Creek. Standing at 20 feet tall and 490 feet long, this dam has a storage capacity of 177 acre-feet and serves as a vital water resource in the region. Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, the dam underwent modifications in 1999 to enhance its hydraulic capabilities, ensuring efficient water management for the surrounding area.

Maintained by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, Big Monitor #2 is subject to state regulations and enforcement to guarantee its safe operation. The dam, with a normal storage capacity of 142 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 290 cubic feet per second, plays a crucial role in supporting agricultural activities in the area. While it lacks a spillway, the dam's uncontrolled outlet gates allow for necessary water release during periods of excess flow, mitigating the risk of overtopping and potential downstream flooding.

With a risk assessment rating of 2 (considered high), ongoing monitoring and risk management measures are essential to ensure the continued safety and functionality of Big Monitor #2. Regular inspections, conducted every 6 years, help assess the dam's condition and identify any maintenance needs. As a key component of the water infrastructure in the region, this earth dam serves as a testament to the importance of responsible water resource management in the face of changing climate patterns and increasing water demands.