Cottonwood Reservoir Report
Nearby: Wall Development Company Dam Coyote
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Cottonwood is a privately owned earth dam located in Uinta, Wyoming, with a primary purpose of irrigation.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Completed in 1919, this structure stands at 13 feet high and spans 845 feet in length, holding a storage capacity of 124 acre-feet. The dam, primarily constructed of stone and soil, serves the Cottonwood and Three Mile Creeks in the Fort Bridger Military Reservation area. Despite its low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, the dam is subject to regular state inspection, enforcement, and permitting to ensure its safety and functionality.
Managed by the Wyoming State Engineer's Office, Cottonwood dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates. With a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, the dam has not undergone any modifications in recent years and is equipped to handle potential emergencies. The structure's risk management measures are currently not specified, but it is noted that the inspection frequency is set at 5 years. Owned by a private entity, Cottonwood dam represents a vital irrigation resource in the region, contributing to the agricultural landscape while maintaining a relatively low risk profile for its operators and surrounding community.
Year Completed |
1919 |
Dam Length |
845 |
Dam Height |
13 |
River Or Stream |
COTTONWOOD & THREE MILE CKS |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
76 |
Hydraulic Height |
11 |
Nid Storage |
124 |
Structural Height |
13 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled - 0 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
13 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Cottonwood