Jim Bridger Power Plant Surge Pond

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The Jim Bridger Power Plant Surge Pond, located in Point of Rocks, Wyoming, serves as a crucial water supply structure designed by D.G. McMillen in 1989. This Earth dam, standing at a height of 51 feet and a structural height of 97 feet, plays a significant role in storing water from the Humphrey Draw river for various purposes, including water supply. With a storage capacity of 2228 acre-feet, this reservoir covers a surface area of 96 acres and has a drainage area of 3.6 square miles.

Despite its fair condition assessment and significant hazard potential, the Jim Bridger Power Plant Surge Pond operates under the oversight of the Wyoming State Energy Office, ensuring that it meets regulatory standards for inspection, permitting, and enforcement. The uncontrolled spillway, with a width of 12 feet, allows for a maximum discharge of 140 cubic feet per second in case of emergencies. While the dam's risk assessment is moderate, ongoing risk management measures are in place to mitigate potential hazards and ensure the safety of the surrounding area.

As a vital component of the water infrastructure in Sweetwater County, Wyoming, the Jim Bridger Power Plant Surge Pond stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of a changing climate. Its role in providing water supply to the region underscores the need for continued monitoring, maintenance, and risk assessment to safeguard both the structure and the communities it serves.