Rotten Springs Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Rotten Springs, located in Johnson, Wyoming, is a privately owned Earth dam completed in 1914 for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes.


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Summary

This dam stands at a height of 25 feet and has a hydraulic height of 20 feet, with a structural height of 25 feet. With a storage capacity of 63 acre-feet and a surface area of 7 acres, Rotten Springs serves as a crucial water resource in the region.

Despite its age, Rotten Springs has a low hazard potential and is currently in fair condition, last assessed in May 2018. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 30 feet and an outlet gate valve. While the risk assessment for the dam is moderate, with a DSAC assigned date pending, the dam is regularly inspected every 5 years to ensure its safety and functionality for the surrounding area.

Located in Cottonwood Canyon near I-25, Rotten Springs plays a vital role in water management and conservation efforts in the region. With its historical significance dating back over a century, this dam continues to provide essential water resources for irrigation, fire protection, and livestock use, highlighting the intersection of water infrastructure and climate resilience in Wyoming.

Year Completed

1914

Dam Length

539

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

COTTONWOOD CANYON

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7

Hydraulic Height

20

Nid Storage

63

Structural Height

25

Outlet Gates

Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

25
       
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.