Busted Clutch Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Busted Clutch, located in Powder River, Wyoming, is a private earth dam completed in 1966 for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes.


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Summary

With a height of 26 feet and a hydraulic height of 21 feet, this dam provides a storage capacity of 119 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 7 acres. The dam is regulated by the State Engineer's Office (SEO) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its fair condition and low hazard potential.

The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled with a width of 60 feet, and it has one uncontrolled outlet gate. Despite its moderate risk assessment rating, Busted Clutch has not been modified in recent years and meets state regulatory requirements for permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The surrounding area, including the NO 3 Draw river or stream, benefits from the water resource management provided by this structure, contributing to the overall water supply and ecosystem health in the region.

Overall, Busted Clutch serves as a vital asset for the local community, providing essential water resources for fire protection and livestock while also supporting ecological diversity through its small fish pond function. With its solid construction and state-regulated management, this dam plays a crucial role in maintaining water security and climate resilience in Sheridan County, Wyoming.

Year Completed

1966

Dam Length

200

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

NO 3 DRAW

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7

Hydraulic Height

21

Nid Storage

119

Structural Height

26

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

26
       
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.