Bar M No. 1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bar M No.


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Summary

1 is a privately owned earth dam located in Albany, Wyoming, specifically in the city of Torrington. Completed in 1961, this dam serves primarily for irrigation purposes, providing essential water resources for the surrounding area. With a height of 29 feet and a length of 816 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 137 acre-feet and a spillway width of 50 feet, ensuring effective water management for the North Branch Bar M Creek.

Maintained and regulated by the Wyoming State Engineer's Office, Bar M No. 1 presents a low hazard potential but a moderate risk assessment. Despite its risk level, the dam has undergone regular inspections, with the latest assessment conducted in August 2021. The dam's emergency action plan status, inundation maps, and risk management measures are currently unreported. With its strategic location and critical role in water resource management, Bar M No. 1 stands as a vital infrastructure piece in ensuring water sustainability and climate resilience in the region.

In the realm of water resource and climate enthusiasts, Bar M No. 1 offers a fascinating case study of a privately owned irrigation dam in Wyoming. With its historical significance, structural details, and regulatory oversight, this dam serves as a focal point for understanding the intersection of water infrastructure, environmental stewardship, and risk management. As discussions surrounding water scarcity and climate change intensify, the maintenance and operation of dams like Bar M No. 1 become increasingly crucial in ensuring the sustainable management of water resources for future generations.

Year Completed

1961

Dam Length

816

Dam Height

29

River Or Stream

NORTH BRANCH BAR M CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9

Hydraulic Height

24

Nid Storage

137

Structural Height

34

Outlet Gates

Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

34
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.