Okie Draw Dam

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Okie Draw Dam, located in Natrona, Wyoming, is a federal-owned structure designed and managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Completed in 1964, this gravity dam primarily serves the purpose of debris control along the Okie Draw river. With a structural height of 26 feet and a hydraulic height of 17 feet, the dam spans 730 feet in length and has a storage capacity of 170 acre-feet.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the condition assessment of Okie Draw Dam is currently marked as unsatisfactory. The last inspection in July 2017 revealed areas in need of improvement, prompting a moderate risk assessment rating. While the dam does not have outlet gates or locks, it does feature an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 2 feet to manage maximum discharges of up to 660 cubic feet per second.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find Okie Draw Dam an intriguing subject for study, given its unique design elements and the ongoing efforts to address its condition assessment. As a vital infrastructure for debris control in the region, the dam's management and maintenance by the Bureau of Land Management highlight the intersection of environmental conservation and engineering in water resource management. Despite its challenges, Okie Draw Dam stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water infrastructure in mitigating natural hazards and protecting communities downstream.