Upper Hackett Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Krs No. 3 Lower Hackett Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Upper Hackett Dam, located in Natrona, Wyoming, along Hackett Creek, is a Federal-owned structure designed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to serve as a debris control system.
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Summary
Completed in 1967, this gravity dam stands at a structural height of 32 feet with a hydraulic height of 27 feet and a length of 505 feet. It has a storage capacity of 22.8 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 13.2 acres, serving the primary purpose of debris control.
Managed and regulated by the BLM, Upper Hackett Dam has a low hazard potential with an unsatisfactory condition assessment. Despite being unsatisfactory, the dam meets inspection, permitting, and enforcement requirements, ensuring the safety and integrity of the structure. With a moderate risk assessment rating, the dam has a spillway width of 2 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 559 cubic feet per second, further enhancing its functionality in managing water resources effectively.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Upper Hackett Dam presents a fascinating case study of a federal-owned structure designed for debris control along Hackett Creek. With its unique design features and operational capacity, the dam stands as a testament to the importance of proper water resource management and infrastructure development in mitigating environmental risks and ensuring public safety. As part of the Bureau of Land Management's portfolio, the dam plays a crucial role in regulating water flow and protecting the surrounding ecosystem, making it a key asset in Wyoming's water resource infrastructure.
Year Completed |
1967 |
Dam Length |
505 |
River Or Stream |
HACKETT CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
13.2 |
Hydraulic Height |
27 |
Drainage Area |
3.85 |
Nid Storage |
22.8 |
Structural Height |
32 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
32 |
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.
Upper Hackett Dam
Buffalo Creek (Lower)
Buffalo Creek (Upper)