Basch, located in Johnson County, Wyoming, is a privately owned Earth dam constructed in 1960 primarily for irrigation purposes on Muddy Creek. With a height of 34 feet and a length of 710 feet, Basch has a storage capacity of 105 acre-feet and a surface area of 7 acres. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is rated as being in poor condition as of the last inspection in July 2018.

Although the risk assessment for Basch is moderate, with a DSAC assigned date yet to be determined, the dam is currently lacking in emergency action preparedness. The spillway type is classified as uncontrolled with a spillway width of 20 feet, and the outlet gates consist of a single valve. In terms of regulatory oversight, the dam is subject to state jurisdiction and regulation by the Wyoming State Engineer's Office, with permitting, inspection, and enforcement measures in place.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Basch serves as a case study in the maintenance and management of aging infrastructure in the context of changing environmental conditions. With a focus on irrigation and the potential implications of a dam failure on downstream communities, the significance of regular inspections, risk assessments, and emergency preparedness measures cannot be overstated. As climate variability continues to impact water resource management, the importance of ensuring the safety and reliability of dams like Basch becomes increasingly paramount.