Wellbaum Reservoir Report
Nearby: Mule Creek Grazing No. 1 Stock
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Wellbaum, located in Albany County, Wyoming, is a privately owned dam designed by Robert Jack Smith for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes.
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Summary
Completed in 1962, this earth dam stands at 30 feet high with a hydraulic height of 24 feet and a length of 320 feet. Its primary source agency is in Wyoming, and it is regulated by the State Engineering Office, with inspection and enforcement functions in place. The dam, situated in the Wellbaum Draw tributary of Sheep Creek, serves as a vital water resource in the region.
Despite its low hazard potential, Wellbaum's condition assessment is rated as poor, with the last inspection conducted in July 2018. The dam has a normal storage capacity of 46 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 74 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 8 acres. With a spillway width of 72 feet and uncontrolled spillway type, the dam poses a moderate risk, prompting the need for risk management measures to ensure its safety and functionality. As a key infrastructure for water management, Wellbaum plays a crucial role in maintaining water supply for firefighting, livestock, and recreational purposes in the area.
In the congressional district represented by Liz Cheney, Wellbaum serves as a vital structure for water resource management in Wyoming. With its earth construction and stone core, the dam's significance lies in its ability to provide essential water storage and distribution for various purposes. As climate change impacts water resources, monitoring and maintaining dams like Wellbaum are crucial for ensuring water security and resilience in the face of evolving environmental challenges.
Year Completed |
1962 |
Dam Length |
320 |
Dam Height |
29 |
River Or Stream |
WELLBAUM DRAW, TRIB. SHEEP CRK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
8 |
Hydraulic Height |
24 |
Nid Storage |
74 |
Structural Height |
30 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
30 |
Seasonal Comparison
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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.
Wellbaum