Point Of Rocks Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Point of Rocks, located in Carbon County, Wyoming, is a historic dam completed in 1908 primarily for irrigation purposes along Cottonwood Creek.


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Summary

This privately owned Earth dam stands at 8 feet high and 210 feet long, with a storage capacity of 227 acre-feet. Despite its age, the dam's condition assessment is rated as poor, with a low hazard potential but a moderate risk assessment due to its structural integrity.

The dam's spillway is uncontrolled, with a width of 25 feet, and it is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement by the Wyoming State Engineer's Office. Although the dam's maintenance and emergency preparedness measures are lacking, it serves as a vital water supply and irrigation source in the region. As climate change impacts water resources, the preservation and modernization of aging infrastructure like Point of Rocks will be crucial for sustainable water management in the future.

Year Completed

1908

Dam Length

210

Dam Height

8

River Or Stream

COTTONWOOD CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

35

Hydraulic Height

6

Nid Storage

227

Structural Height

8

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

8
       
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.