Located in Mesa County, Colorado, the Redlands Dam stands as a testament to early 20th-century engineering, completed in 1917 for the primary purpose of irrigation. This concrete gravity dam on the Gunnison River serves both hydroelectric and irrigation needs, with a storage capacity of 260 acre-feet and a spillway width of 312 feet. The dam boasts a low hazard potential and a very high risk assessment rating, indicating its critical importance in water resource management and climate resilience efforts.

Managed by private owners and regulated by the state, the Redlands Dam is subject to periodic inspections by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to ensure its structural integrity and operational safety. Despite its age, the dam has not undergone recent modifications and its condition assessment is not currently available. With a maximum discharge capacity of 500 cfs and a surface area of 40 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in water storage and distribution in the Grand Junction area.

As climate change threatens water resources across the region, the Redlands Dam stands as a vital asset in mitigating risks and ensuring sustainable water management practices. With its historical significance, functional design, and strategic location on the Gunnison River, the dam exemplifies the intersection of human ingenuity and environmental stewardship in the face of evolving climate challenges.