Lynx Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Bridge Dam Sullivan No. 2
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Lynx Dam, located in Natrona, Wyoming, was completed in 1956 by the Bureau of Land Management and serves as a crucial structure for debris control on Lynx Draw.
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Summary
The dam, a gravity type with a hydraulic height of 26 feet and a structural height of 31 feet, provides a storage capacity of 17.7 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 10.7 acres. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is currently unsatisfactory, highlighting the need for ongoing maintenance and inspection.
Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, Lynx Dam is regulated by the Wyoming State Engineer's Office, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place. The dam has a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, indicating potential vulnerabilities that require attention. While the dam does not have outlet gates, it features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 2 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 290 cubic feet per second. The last inspection in July 2017 revealed the dam's condition as unsatisfactory, underscoring the importance of regular monitoring and upkeep to ensure its continued safety and functionality.
As a key water resource infrastructure in Wyoming, Lynx Dam plays a vital role in managing debris and protecting the surrounding area from potential hazards. With Liz Cheney representing the area in Congress, continued collaboration between federal and state agencies is essential to address the dam's maintenance needs and mitigate any risks associated with its operation. Water resource and climate enthusiasts are encouraged to monitor updates on Lynx Dam's condition and support efforts to ensure its resilience and longevity for the benefit of the community and the environment.
Year Completed |
1956 |
Dam Length |
439 |
River Or Stream |
LYNX DRAW |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
10.7 |
Hydraulic Height |
26 |
Drainage Area |
3.32 |
Nid Storage |
17.7 |
Structural Height |
31 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
31 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Middle Fork Powder River Near Barnum
|
6cfs |
Fivemile Creek Near Shoshoni
|
38cfs |
Wind River Ab Boysen Reservoir
|
555cfs |
Wind R Bl Boysen Res Wyo
|
819cfs |
Sweetwater River Near Alcova
|
27cfs |
Wind River At Riverton
|
418cfs |
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.
Lynx Dam
E-K Creek
Badwater Creek