Delbert Jones Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lake Mckinney Sandstone Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Delbert Jones, located in Wyoming's Big Horn County, is a privately owned Earth dam completed in 1962 for irrigation purposes on the Greybull River offstream.
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Summary
Standing at 18 feet high with a spillway width of 15 feet, this dam has a storage capacity of 166 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.1 square miles. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is currently assessed to be in poor condition, highlighting the need for maintenance and improvements to ensure its long-term functionality.
Owned by a private entity, Delbert Jones is regulated by the State of Wyoming with permitting, inspection, and enforcement responsibilities falling under the State Engineer's Office. The dam's primary purpose of irrigation serves the local agricultural community, relying on a valve outlet gate for water control. With Liz Cheney representing the region in Congress, the dam's location in Otto plays a crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience in the area. As a moderate risk facility, there is a need for proactive risk management measures to address the dam's condition and ensure the safety of downstream communities.
Despite its age and current condition assessment of poor, Delbert Jones remains a vital piece of infrastructure for irrigation and water storage in the region. With its historic significance dating back to 1962, the dam continues to provide essential water resources for agricultural activities along the Greybull River. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, attention to the maintenance and safety of Delbert Jones is crucial to ensuring a sustainable and resilient water management system in Big Horn County, Wyoming.
Year Completed |
1962 |
Dam Length |
1125 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
GREYBULL RIVER OFFSTREAM |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
16 |
Hydraulic Height |
13 |
Drainage Area |
0.1 |
Nid Storage |
166 |
Structural Height |
21 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
21 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Bighorn River At Basin
|
996cfs |
Bighorn River At Kane
|
1340cfs |
Shell Creek Near Shell
|
74cfs |
Shoshone River Near Lovell
|
460cfs |
Bighorn R At Worland Wyo
|
4350cfs |
Greybull River At Meeteetse
|
338cfs |
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.
Delbert Jones