Walters Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Walters is a private earth dam located on Alkali Creek in Big Horn, Wyoming, designed by Darvin D.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Dietz and completed in 1978 for irrigation purposes. With a height of 25 feet and a length of 600 feet, Walters has a storage capacity of 638 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 464 acre-feet. The dam serves to reduce flood risk and provide water for agricultural irrigation in the region.

Managed by the Wyoming State Engineer's Office, Walters is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam has a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, with a moderate risk level. With a spillway width of 2 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 100 cubic feet per second, Walters is equipped to handle excess water flow during periods of heavy rainfall or snowmelt.

Located in Manderson, Wyoming, Walters plays a crucial role in water resource management in the area, contributing to the agricultural sustainability and flood protection of the region. As a key infrastructure for irrigation and flood risk reduction, Walters stands as a testament to the importance of efficient water resource utilization and climate resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1978

Dam Length

600

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

ALKALI CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

52

Hydraulic Height

20

Drainage Area

0.4

Nid Storage

638

Structural Height

26

Outlet Gates

Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

26
       
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.