Howell Reservoir Report
Nearby: Rosean Spencer No. 2
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Located in Weston, Wyoming, the Howell dam stands as a vital structure along Black Tail Creek, serving primarily for irrigation purposes.
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Summary
Constructed in 1946, this private-owned earth dam reaches a height of 23 feet and spans 1220 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 840 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment reveals a poor state, suggesting a need for maintenance and rehabilitation to ensure its long-term functionality and safety.
The Howell dam's spillway, with a width of 50 feet, is uncontrolled, and the structure features one other controlled outlet gate. The dam's drainage area is 13.2 square miles, with a maximum discharge capacity of 1735 cubic feet per second. While the risk assessment indicates a moderate level of risk (3), the dam has not had any modifications or emergency action plans prepared or updated recently. With the last inspection conducted in April 2018, the Howell dam demonstrates the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to mitigate potential hazards and ensure the continued reliability of this essential water resource infrastructure.
In conclusion, the Howell dam plays a crucial role in water management and agricultural activities in the region, highlighting the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience. As climate change impacts continue to pose challenges to water availability and infrastructure safety, efforts to assess and address the condition of dams like Howell are essential for sustainable water resource management. Collaboration between stakeholders and regulatory agencies will be key in implementing necessary risk management measures and ensuring the long-term resilience of water infrastructure in the face of a changing climate.
Year Completed |
1946 |
Dam Length |
1220 |
Dam Height |
23 |
River Or Stream |
BLACK TAIL CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
75 |
Hydraulic Height |
15 |
Drainage Area |
13.2 |
Nid Storage |
840 |
Structural Height |
25 |
Outlet Gates |
Other Controlled - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
25 |
Seasonal Comparison
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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.
Howell