Busch Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Located in Converse, Wyoming, the Busch dam sits on La Prele Creek and serves primarily for irrigation purposes.
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Summary
Completed in 1965, this earth dam stands at 29 feet high with a total length of 865 feet, providing a normal storage capacity of 38 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and poor condition assessment as of the last inspection in July 2018, the dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state regulatory agency SEO.
Despite its poor condition assessment, Busch dam poses a moderate risk (3) and has an uncontrolled spillway system with a width of 50 feet. The dam has one slide (sluice gate) outlet gate and is situated in a picturesque location in Guernsey, Wyoming, just 48 miles away from the city. With Liz Cheney (R) as the Congressional representative for the area, the dam falls under the jurisdiction of the Omaha District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the maintenance and management of aging dams will find the data on Busch dam to be of particular interest.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Length |
865 |
Dam Height |
29 |
River Or Stream |
LA PRELE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5 |
Hydraulic Height |
24 |
Nid Storage |
71 |
Structural Height |
34 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
34 |
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.
Busch