Lake Cameahwait Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Cameahwait, located in Fremont, Wyoming, is a man-made reservoir with a primary purpose of fire protection, stock, and small fish pond.


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Summary

Owned and regulated by the Bureau of Reclamation, this earth dam was completed in 1973 and stands at a height of 13 feet, with a storage capacity of 6,683 acre-feet. The reservoir covers a surface area of 414 acres and is fed by the Cottonwood Drain Draw.

Despite its low hazard potential, Lake Cameahwait is considered to have a very high risk due to its location and function. The spillway, controlled and 40 feet wide, ensures the safe discharge of water, with a maximum capacity of 20,000 cubic feet per second. The dam features a slide (sluice gate) outlet gate and undergoes regular inspections every six years to ensure its safety and functionality.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Lake Cameahwait offers a fascinating example of human intervention in managing water resources for multiple purposes. Its importance for fire protection, livestock, and recreation underscores the versatile roles that reservoirs can play in sustainable water management practices. The risk assessment and management measures associated with the dam highlight the careful planning and monitoring required to ensure the safety and efficiency of such critical infrastructure in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1973

Dam Length

1000

Dam Height

13

River Or Stream

COTTONWOOD DRAIN DRAW

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

414

Hydraulic Height

11

Nid Storage

6683

Structural Height

13

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

13
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.