Buck Draw Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Buck Draw, located in Carbon, Wyoming, is a privately owned irrigation dam that was completed in 1955.


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Summary

It stands at a height of 32 feet and has a storage capacity of 539 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 318 acre-feet. The dam, primarily made of earth and stone, serves the purpose of flood risk reduction and irrigation for the surrounding area.

Despite its low hazard potential, Buck Draw is currently assessed as being in poor condition as of June 2020. The dam features a slide (sluice gate) outlet gate and an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 12 feet. It is regulated and inspected by the state regulatory agency, SEO, ensuring that it meets state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements.

The dam is situated on Side Draw, a river or stream in the area, and falls under the jurisdiction of the Sacramento District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. While the dam's risk assessment is considered moderate, there are no inundation maps prepared or emergency action plan in place. With its historical significance and importance in irrigation, efforts may be needed to address its current poor condition and ensure its continued functionality and safety for the community.

Year Completed

1955

Dam Length

623

Dam Height

24

River Or Stream

SIDE DRAW

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

58

Hydraulic Height

19

Nid Storage

539

Structural Height

32

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

32
       
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.