Bear Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Jack Dam Three T No 1 Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Bear Dam, located in Natrona, Wyoming, is a gravity dam on Upper Cloud Creek with a primary purpose of debris control.
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Summary
Built in 1970 by the Bureau of Land Management, this Federal-owned structure stands at a hydraulic height of 17 feet and a structural height of 23 feet, with a length of 325 feet and a storage capacity of 110.72 acre-feet. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled, with a width of 3 feet, and it has a hazard potential rated as low and a fair condition assessment.
Managed and regulated by the Bureau of Land Management, Bear Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience in the region. With a moderate risk assessment rating and regular inspections every five years, the dam ensures the safety of surrounding communities and ecosystems. Although it has not undergone significant modifications or emergency action plan updates recently, Bear Dam remains a vital infrastructure for maintaining water quality and flow in the area.
Overall, Bear Dam serves as an essential component of the water infrastructure in Natrona County, Wyoming, providing flood control and debris management along Upper Cloud Creek. With its low hazard potential and fair condition, the dam continues to fulfill its primary purpose effectively. As climate change impacts water resources, structures like Bear Dam play a critical role in ensuring the resilience and sustainability of water systems for the future.
Year Completed |
1970 |
Dam Length |
325 |
River Or Stream |
UPPER CLOUD CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
13.3 |
Hydraulic Height |
17 |
Nid Storage |
110.72 |
Structural Height |
23 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
23 |
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.
Bear Dam