Cottonwood Detention Dam, located in Fremont County, Colorado, serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and creating a small fish pond. Owned and operated by the Bureau of Land Management, this gravity dam was completed in 1956 and stands at a height of 36 feet with a hydraulic height of 30 feet. With a storage capacity of 131 acre-feet, the dam primarily regulates the flow of water from a tributary to Cottonwood Creek, providing crucial water resource management for the area.

Despite its low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Cottonwood Detention Dam plays a vital role in mitigating flooding risks and ensuring water availability for various uses in the region. The dam is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway and has a moderate risk rating of 3, indicating the need for ongoing risk management measures. With its strategic location and effective design, the dam serves as a key infrastructure for water resource management and climate resilience in the area, under the supervision of the Bureau of Land Management.

Overall, Cottonwood Detention Dam stands as a testament to effective water resource management and climate adaptation efforts in Colorado. As a critical piece of infrastructure for fire protection and water storage, the dam exemplifies the importance of proactive risk assessment and management in safeguarding communities and ecosystems from potential hazards. With its historical significance and ongoing role in water regulation, Cottonwood Detention Dam remains a key asset in the region's sustainable development and environmental stewardship efforts.