Pilot Butte Embankment 3 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Pilot Butte Embankment 2 Pilot Butte
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Pilot Butte Embankment 3, located in Riverton, Wyoming, is a crucial federal structure managed by the Bureau of Reclamation for irrigation purposes along the Wyoming Canal.
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Summary
Built in 1925, this earth dam stands at a height of 12 feet and spans a length of 3400 feet, with a capacity to store up to 36,900 acre-feet of water for agricultural use. Despite its age, the dam remains under the regulatory oversight of the Bureau of Reclamation, ensuring its proper inspection, enforcement, and operation to mitigate any potential risks.
With a high hazard potential and risk assessment rating of 2, Pilot Butte Embankment 3 plays a vital role in water resource management within Fremont County, Wyoming. Although the condition assessment is currently unavailable, the dam is subject to regular inspections and emergency action plan updates to uphold safety standards. As a key component of the federal infrastructure, this dam highlights the ongoing efforts to balance water supply needs for irrigation while addressing climate-related challenges and ensuring public safety in the region.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the significance of structures like Pilot Butte Embankment 3 sheds light on the intricate network of dams that sustain agricultural activities and water supply in arid regions like Wyoming. With its historical significance, operational intricacies, and regulatory oversight by the Bureau of Reclamation, this earth dam showcases the intersection of water management, infrastructure resilience, and climate adaptation strategies in safeguarding vital water resources for the local community.
Year Completed |
1925 |
Dam Length |
3400 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
WYOMING CANAL |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
900 |
Hydraulic Height |
3 |
Drainage Area |
9 |
Nid Storage |
36900 |
Structural Height |
12 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
12 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Wind River Near Kinnear
|
346cfs |
Wind River Near Crowheart
|
1630cfs |
Bull Lake Creek Near Lenore
|
831cfs |
Sf L Wind Riv Ab Washakie Res
|
15cfs |
Bull Lake Creek Above Bull Lake
|
47cfs |
Wind River At Riverton
|
366cfs |
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.
Pilot Butte Embankment 3