Chalk Buttes Reservoir Report
Nearby: Busch Douglas Fishing Lake No. 1
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Chalk Buttes, located in Guernsey, Wyoming, is a privately owned irrigation dam on Little Bed Tick Creek.
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Summary
Built in 1953, this earth dam stands at a height of 19 feet and has a storage capacity of 135 acre-feet. With a primary purpose of irrigation, this structure also serves for fire protection, stock, fish and wildlife ponds, and other uses.
The dam's spillway, with a width of 250 feet, is uncontrolled, and it features a slide (sluice gate) outlet gate. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential and fair condition, the risk assessment for Chalk Buttes is moderate. The dam is regularly inspected, with the last assessment conducted in June 2019. With its location in a picturesque landscape and its multifaceted water resource management functions, Chalk Buttes is a site of interest for water resource and climate enthusiasts.
Overall, Chalk Buttes is a notable structure in Converse County, Wyoming, that plays a crucial role in water management and agricultural activities in the region. With its historical significance and ongoing regulatory oversight, this dam serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining and monitoring water infrastructure for sustainable resource use. As climate change impacts water availability, understanding and safeguarding structures like Chalk Buttes becomes increasingly vital for ensuring water security in the face of evolving environmental challenges.
Year Completed |
1953 |
Dam Length |
700 |
Dam Height |
19 |
River Or Stream |
LITTLE BED TICK CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
12 |
Hydraulic Height |
14 |
Nid Storage |
135 |
Structural Height |
19 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
19 |
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.
Chalk Buttes