Bridge Dam

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Bridge Dam, located in Natrona, Wyoming, is a gravity dam built in 1957 by the Bureau of Land Management to serve as a debris control structure along the Mike Wash river. With a height of 40 feet and a hydraulic height of 35 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 361.1 acre-feet and a surface area of 23.6 acres. Despite its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, the dam is currently in poor condition, prompting concerns about its long-term safety and effectiveness.

Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, Bridge Dam is subject to state regulations and inspections to ensure compliance with safety standards. While the dam has an uncontrolled spillway and no outlet gates, its primary purpose remains debris control for the surrounding area. The dam's location and design, utilizing buttress and stone core types, make it a key structure in managing water resources and climate impacts in the region, highlighting the importance of maintaining and monitoring its condition for continued functionality.

With Liz Cheney as the congressional representative for the district, Bridge Dam plays a crucial role in flood control and water management efforts. Despite its poor condition assessment, the dam's strategic placement and historical significance underscore the need for ongoing maintenance and risk management measures to safeguard both the environment and communities downstream. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is essential to monitor and advocate for the proper care and maintenance of vital structures like Bridge Dam to ensure their continued effectiveness in the face of changing weather patterns and environmental challenges.