Jim Bridger Power Plant Surge Pond Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 15, 2025

The Jim Bridger Power Plant Surge Pond, located in Point of Rocks, Wyoming, serves as a crucial water supply structure designed by D.G.


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Summary

McMillen in 1989. This Earth dam, standing at a height of 51 feet and a structural height of 97 feet, plays a significant role in storing water from the Humphrey Draw river for various purposes, including water supply. With a storage capacity of 2228 acre-feet, this reservoir covers a surface area of 96 acres and has a drainage area of 3.6 square miles.

Despite its fair condition assessment and significant hazard potential, the Jim Bridger Power Plant Surge Pond operates under the oversight of the Wyoming State Energy Office, ensuring that it meets regulatory standards for inspection, permitting, and enforcement. The uncontrolled spillway, with a width of 12 feet, allows for a maximum discharge of 140 cubic feet per second in case of emergencies. While the dam's risk assessment is moderate, ongoing risk management measures are in place to mitigate potential hazards and ensure the safety of the surrounding area.

As a vital component of the water infrastructure in Sweetwater County, Wyoming, the Jim Bridger Power Plant Surge Pond stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of a changing climate. Its role in providing water supply to the region underscores the need for continued monitoring, maintenance, and risk assessment to safeguard both the structure and the communities it serves.

Year Completed

1989

Dam Length

810

Dam Height

51

River Or Stream

HUMPHREY DRAW

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

96

Hydraulic Height

45

Drainage Area

3.6

Nid Storage

2228

Structural Height

97

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

97
       
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.