Wales, located in Hot Springs, Wyoming, is a privately-owned earth dam built in 1912 primarily for irrigation purposes on Cottonwood Creek. The dam stands at a height of 13 feet, with a hydraulic height of 8 feet and a length of 760 feet, providing a storage capacity of 278 acre-feet. Despite being categorized as having a low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is poor, indicating a need for maintenance and repairs.

With a spillway width of 200 feet and an uncontrolled spillway type, Wales has a moderate risk level (3) associated with its operation. The dam is inspected every five years, with the last assessment conducted in March 2020. Although the dam has not been significantly modified over the years, its poor condition raises concerns about its long-term sustainability and ability to withstand potential climate-related challenges.

Given its importance for irrigation in the region, stakeholders and authorities need to address the dam's maintenance needs promptly to ensure its safety and functionality. With the potential for climate change to impact water resources in the area, proactive risk management measures should be implemented to mitigate any potential hazards associated with Wales and other critical water infrastructure in Wyoming.