Ponderosa Reservoir Report
Nearby: Wee Wee Pork Puddle
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Ponderosa is a privately owned earth dam located in Pine Bluffs, Wyoming, along the Hunter Draw river.
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Summary
Completed in 1996, this dam serves multiple purposes beyond water storage, with a primary height of 16 feet and a length of 2300 feet. The dam has a normal storage capacity of 138 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 219 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, the dam is regulated by the State of Wyoming and undergoes regular inspections, with the last assessment conducted in June 2021.
The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and a single outlet gate for water release. Its risk assessment is categorized as moderate, with a risk management plan yet to be developed. Located within the Congressional District 00 of Wyoming, Ponderosa plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region. With its strategic location and fair condition, the dam serves as a key infrastructure for mitigating flood risks and ensuring water availability in the area. Climate enthusiasts and water resource experts will find Ponderosa to be a fascinating case study in dam construction, regulation, and management in a changing climatic landscape.
Year Completed |
1996 |
Dam Length |
2300 |
Dam Height |
16 |
River Or Stream |
HUNTER DRAW |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
15 |
Hydraulic Height |
16 |
Drainage Area |
18 |
Nid Storage |
219 |
Structural Height |
19 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
19 |
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.
Ponderosa