Newell Reservoir Report
Nearby: Toltec Bar M No. 1
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Newell, located in Albany, Wyoming, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1969 for irrigation purposes along Cottonwood Creek.
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Summary
With a structural height of 31 feet and a hydraulic height of 26 feet, Newell has a storage capacity of 220 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 130 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is rated as poor, indicating a need for maintenance and repairs.
The dam is equipped with a single slide (sluice gate) outlet gate and an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 8 feet. The last inspection in August 2021 revealed its poor condition, prompting a moderate risk assessment rating of 3. While Newell has not been modified over the years and has no associated structures, its location in Torrington, 77 miles away from the Omaha District, underscores its importance for irrigation and fire protection in the area. With state regulatory agencies overseeing its permitting, inspection, and enforcement, Newell remains a critical infrastructure for water resource management in Wyoming.
In light of its aging infrastructure and the need for maintenance, Newell serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by water resource and climate enthusiasts in ensuring the safety and sustainability of dams. As efforts to address its poor condition and mitigate potential risks continue, Newell stands as a testament to the crucial role of private owners and state agencies in safeguarding our water resources for future generations.
Year Completed |
1969 |
Dam Length |
330 |
Dam Height |
31 |
River Or Stream |
COTTONWOOD CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
14 |
Hydraulic Height |
26 |
Nid Storage |
220 |
Structural Height |
31 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
31 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.
Hazard Potential Classification
HighDams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Roaring Fork Camp
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Roaring Fork Trailhead
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Friend Park
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Friend Park Camp
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Friend Park Campground
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Newell