Ward Ball Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Ward Ball is a privately owned earth dam located in Sublette, Wyoming, along the Ward Ball Draw stream, primarily used for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

Built in 1965, this dam stands at 22 feet high with a hydraulic height of 17 feet and a length of 950 feet, providing a storage capacity of 528 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, Ward Ball is currently assessed to be in poor condition, with the last inspection in October 2019 revealing the need for maintenance and improvements.

Situated in Congressional District 00 of Wyoming, Ward Ball is regulated by the State Engineer's Office and is subject to regular inspections, permitting, and enforcement measures to ensure its safe operation. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 100 feet, and although no associated structures are present, the surrounding area covers a surface area of 53 acres. Ward Ball poses a moderate risk level, indicating the importance of implementing proper risk management measures and potentially upgrading its condition to safeguard against any potential hazards.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Ward Ball provides an intriguing case study of a privately owned irrigation dam in Wyoming, highlighting the intersection of water management, infrastructure maintenance, and regulatory oversight. With its historical significance and current condition assessment, Ward Ball represents a focal point for discussions on sustainable water resource utilization and the importance of maintaining aging dam structures to mitigate risks and ensure long-term environmental resilience in the face of changing climate patterns.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

950

Dam Height

22

River Or Stream

WARD BALL DRAW

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

53

Hydraulic Height

17

Nid Storage

528

Structural Height

22

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 0

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

22
       
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.