Barrel Floodwater Detention dam
Barrel Floodwater Detention
Barrel Floodwater Detention, located in Weston, Wyoming, along Barrel Draw, is a privately-owned earth dam constructed in 1973 by designer J H COFFMAN. This flood risk reduction structure stands at a height of 35 feet with a hydraulic height of 31 feet and a structural height of 36 feet. With a dam length of 530 feet and a storage capacity of 694 acre-feet, it serves as a vital asset for managing floodwaters in the area, particularly during peak flow events.
Despite its critical role in flood risk reduction, Barrel Floodwater Detention is currently assessed as being in poor condition, with a low hazard potential. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 150 feet and a valve outlet gate. The structure is state-regulated and inspected regularly by the Wyoming State Engineer's Office, ensuring its functionality and safety for the surrounding community. With a moderate risk assessment rating, there is a need for ongoing risk management measures to maintain the dam's effectiveness in mitigating flood impacts in the region.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Barrel Floodwater Detention presents an intriguing case study in the intersection of infrastructure, water management, and climate resilience. By understanding the design, condition, and regulatory framework of this flood control structure, stakeholders can work towards enhancing its performance and ensuring its continued ability to protect lives and property from flood hazards. With a commitment to regular inspections, maintenance, and risk assessment, Barrel Floodwater Detention serves as a valuable resource in mitigating flood risks in Weston, Wyoming, and beyond.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Barrel Floodwater Detention -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Cheyenne River Near Spencer | · | → |
| Stockade Beaver Creek Near Newcastle | 18 cfs | → |
| Belle Fourche R Bl Rattlesnake C Nr Piney Wy | 0 cfs | → |
| Cheyenne R At Edgemont Sd | 2 cfs | → |
| Beaver Creek At Mallo Camp | 3 cfs | → |
| Cold Springs Creek At Buckhorn | 4 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Barrel Floodwater Detention.
Track Barrel Floodwater Detention in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Barrel Floodwater Detention
Where does the data for Barrel Floodwater Detention come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Barrel Floodwater Detention.