Deer Retention Dam #1, located in Mesa County, Colorado, along the Horseshoe Canyon stream, was constructed in 1960 by the Bureau of Land Management for debris control purposes. This gravity-type dam stands at a structural height of 27 feet and has a hydraulic height of 22 feet, with a total length of 549 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 97 acre-feet, serving a drainage area of 1.5 square miles.

Owned and funded by the Bureau of Land Management, Deer Retention Dam #1 is categorized as a low hazard potential structure with a condition assessment of 'Not Rated'. Despite not being state regulated or inspected, the dam is designed to effectively control debris flow in the area. The last inspection of the dam was conducted in September 2018, with a designated inspection frequency of 5 years. Overall, Deer Retention Dam #1 plays a vital role in mitigating potential risks associated with debris accumulation in the region, showcasing the importance of sustainable water resource management in a changing climate.