Cottonwood Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 9, 2025

Cottonwood is a privately owned dam located in Campbell, Wyoming, along the Little Rawhide Creek.


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Summary

Completed in 1994, this earth dam stands at a height of 41 feet and serves primarily for flood risk reduction purposes. With a storage capacity of 2043 acre-feet and a drainage area of 28.5 square miles, Cottonwood plays a crucial role in managing water flow in the region.

The dam's condition assessment is rated as fair, with a significant hazard potential. It has a spillway width of 75 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 5261 cubic feet per second. Despite its age, Cottonwood is regularly inspected and maintained, with the last inspection conducted in August 2018. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate, indicating a level 3 risk for potential issues that may need to be addressed in the future.

Overall, Cottonwood serves as a vital infrastructure for flood risk reduction in the area, showcasing the importance of proper dam management and maintenance in safeguarding water resources and combating the impacts of climate change. Its strategic location and design contribute to the overall resilience of the region's water infrastructure, highlighting the interconnectedness between water resources and climate adaptation efforts in Wyoming.

Year Completed

1994

Dam Length

1500

Dam Height

41

River Or Stream

LITTLE RAWHIDE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

103

Hydraulic Height

34

Drainage Area

28.5

Nid Storage

2043

Structural Height

41

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

41
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.