Located in Weston, Wyoming, the Howell dam stands as a vital structure along Black Tail Creek, serving primarily for irrigation purposes. 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.