West Fork Sand Coulee Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

West Fork Sand Coulee Dam, located in Park County, Wyoming, is a federal dam regulated by the Bureau of Land Management.


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Summary

Completed in 2003, this gravity dam stands at a structural height of 21 feet and has a hydraulic height of 17 feet. With a storage capacity of 328.67 acre-feet and a surface area of 86.38 acres, the dam serves a primary purpose other than flood control or water supply.

Despite its low hazard potential, the condition assessment of West Fork Sand Coulee Dam is unsatisfactory, indicating potential issues that may require attention. The last inspection date was in August 2016, with a scheduled inspection frequency of five years. While the risk assessment is moderate, with a rating of 3, there is no detailed risk management plan in place. As climate change impacts water resources, understanding and maintaining the safety and efficiency of dams like West Fork Sand Coulee Dam is essential for sustainable water management in the region.

Year Completed

2003

Dam Length

1364

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

86.38

Hydraulic Height

17

Nid Storage

328.67

Structural Height

21

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

21
       
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.