Cave Gulch Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Brewer Okie Draw Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Cave Gulch Dam, located in Natrona, Wyoming, is a gravity dam designed for debris control on the Cave Gulch River.
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Summary
Operated by the Bureau of Land Management, this structure was completed in 1964 and stands at a hydraulic height of 21 feet and a structural height of 25 feet. With a storage capacity of 363.4 acre-feet and a normal storage of 162 acre-feet, the dam serves to mitigate flood risks and protect downstream areas.
Despite its low hazard potential, Cave Gulch Dam has been assessed as being in poor condition, highlighting the need for maintenance and potential upgrades. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and lacks outlet gates, raising concerns about its ability to manage high discharges. With a moderate risk assessment score of 3, efforts to improve the dam's condition and emergency preparedness are crucial to ensure the safety of surrounding communities and the environment.
As a federally owned and regulated structure, Cave Gulch Dam falls under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management, which oversees its inspections, operations, and enforcement. With a drainage area of 52.78 square miles and a surface area of 51 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region. The involvement of federal agencies and the need for continued monitoring and maintenance underscore the importance of preserving this vital infrastructure for both water resource and climate enthusiasts.
Year Completed |
1964 |
Dam Length |
713 |
River Or Stream |
CAVE GULCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
51 |
Hydraulic Height |
21 |
Drainage Area |
52.78 |
Nid Storage |
363.4 |
Structural Height |
25 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
25 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Cave Gulch Dam