Buck Pasture Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Buck Pasture is a privately owned irrigation dam located in Converse, Wyoming, along the Middle Fork Walker Creek.
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Summary
Completed in 1943, this earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet and has a storage capacity of 193 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is currently in poor condition, as assessed in May 2018. With a moderate risk rating, there is a need for improved risk management measures to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure.
Although Buck Pasture has not been modified in recent years, it is subject to state regulation and inspection, with the Wyoming State Engineer's Office overseeing permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 25 feet and a single valve outlet gate. Despite its limited drainage area and maximum discharge capacity, the dam serves a crucial purpose in providing irrigation water to the surrounding area. With its location in a region susceptible to the impacts of climate change, monitoring and maintaining Buck Pasture is essential for sustainable water resource management in the face of shifting environmental conditions.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is imperative to recognize the importance of maintaining infrastructure like Buck Pasture to ensure the continued availability of water for irrigation and other purposes. By addressing the poor condition assessment and implementing necessary risk management measures, stakeholders can work towards safeguarding this vital water resource for the long term. With its historical significance and role in supporting agricultural activities, Buck Pasture serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness between water resources, climate, and human activities in shaping our environment.
Year Completed |
1943 |
Dam Length |
471 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
MIDDLE FK WALKER CR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
16 |
Hydraulic Height |
15 |
Nid Storage |
193 |
Structural Height |
20 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
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.
Buck Pasture