Rifle Correctional Center No. 1, located in Garfield County, Colorado, serves as an essential irrigation structure along the Middle Rifle Creek. Constructed in 2006, this earth dam stands at a height of 21 feet, with a hydraulic height of 23 feet and a structural height of 27 feet. With a storage capacity of 43 acre-feet and a surface area of 3 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources for agricultural purposes in the region.

Maintained by the Colorado Department of Water Resources (DWR), Rifle Correctional Center No. 1 has been assessed as having a low hazard potential and satisfactory condition. Despite its moderate risk level, the dam has not undergone significant modifications since its completion. The dam's spillway, with a width of 3 feet, is uncontrolled, allowing for the safe release of excess water during periods of high discharge.

With its strategic location in the picturesque city of Rifle, this dam exemplifies the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience. As climate change continues to impact water availability in the region, structures like Rifle Correctional Center No. 1 play a vital role in ensuring sustainable water use for irrigation and agricultural activities.