Sugar Loaf Dike

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Sugar Loaf Dike, located in Lake County, Colorado, is a rockfill dam completed in 1968 with a primary purpose of serving as a Fish and Wildlife Pond. Managed by the Bureau of Reclamation, this dam on the Lake Fork of Arkansas River has a dam height of 12 feet and a storage capacity of 135,525 acre-feet, providing essential water resources for irrigation, recreation, and wildlife habitat. Despite its relatively small size, Sugar Loaf Dike plays a crucial role in water management and conservation in the region.

With a high hazard potential and a risk assessment rating of 2, Sugar Loaf Dike is closely monitored by the Bureau of Reclamation, which conducts regular inspections and enforcement to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Although the condition assessment is currently not available, emergency action plans are in place, and the dam meets regulatory guidelines for risk management. Its location and design make it a critical infrastructure for water resource management in the area, highlighting the importance of maintaining and upgrading aging water infrastructure to meet the challenges of climate change and growing water demands.

As a key component of the water supply system in Lake County, Sugar Loaf Dike exemplifies the intersection of water resource management and climate adaptation. With its significant storage capacity and multiple uses, this dam underscores the importance of sustainable water management practices and the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the resilience of water infrastructure in the face of changing environmental conditions. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Sugar Loaf Dike serves as a compelling example of the complex challenges and opportunities in managing water resources in a changing world.