Brownlee Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Brownlee Dam, located in Carbon County, Wyoming, is a privately owned structure designed by John Brownlee for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 1892, this earth dam stands at a height of 15 feet and has a storage capacity of 91 acre-feet with a normal storage level of 70 acre-feet. The dam spans 702 feet in length and is situated along the West Fork Cherokee and Cotton Creek, serving as a crucial water resource for the surrounding area.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Brownlee Dam's condition assessment is rated as poor, indicating a need for maintenance and potential upgrades to ensure its long-term stability. The dam's spillway, of uncontrolled type, has a width of 18 feet, and the structure features one other controlled outlet gate. With a moderate risk assessment score of 3, there is a call for effective risk management measures to be implemented to mitigate potential hazards and ensure the safety of the dam and the community it serves.

As a critical component of the local water infrastructure, Brownlee Dam warrants attention from water resource and climate enthusiasts due to its historical significance, ongoing maintenance concerns, and the vital role it plays in sustaining irrigation activities in the region. With its unique design and location, the dam serves as a valuable case study for understanding the intersection of water management, infrastructure development, and environmental conservation in the context of changing climate patterns.

Year Completed

1892

Dam Length

702

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

W FORK CHEROKEE & COTTON CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7

Hydraulic Height

12

Nid Storage

91

Structural Height

15

Outlet Gates

Other Controlled - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

15
       
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.