Ray Detention Dam, located in Worland, Wyoming, is a federal-owned structure managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
Wind
Humidity
Completed in 2003, this gravity dam serves primarily as a water supply resource, with a storage capacity of 100.4 acre-feet and a normal storage of 50.8 acre-feet. The dam stands at a structural height of 27 feet, with a hydraulic height of 23 feet, and spans a length of 528 feet.
Despite its low hazard potential, Ray Detention Dam is currently assessed to be in poor condition, with a moderate risk level. The dam's inspection frequency is set at every five years, with the last recorded inspection taking place in August 2016. The dam's spillway is of the uncontrolled type, with a width of 2 feet, and it is situated on the South Fork Wagon Prong Big Hor river or stream, within the Omaha District.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Ray Detention Dam presents an intriguing case study in federal dam management, regulation, and maintenance. With its vital role in water supply and its location in a critical drainage area, the dam's condition and risk assessment underscore the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance practices to ensure its continued functionality and safety in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
2003 |
Dam Length |
528 |
River Or Stream |
SOUTH FORK WAGON PRONG BIG HOR |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
12.7 |
Hydraulic Height |
23 |
Drainage Area |
1348.8 |
Nid Storage |
100.4 |
Structural Height |
27 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
27 |