Basch Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Basch, located in Johnson County, Wyoming, is a privately owned Earth dam constructed in 1960 primarily for irrigation purposes on Muddy Creek.


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Summary

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.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

710

Dam Height

34

River Or Stream

MUDDY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7

Hydraulic Height

29

Nid Storage

105

Structural Height

36

Outlet Gates

Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

36
       
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.