Ketchum Butte Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Ketchum Butte is a private earth dam located in Carbon County, Wyoming, specifically along Wild Cow Creek.
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Summary
Completed in 2001 by Rio Verde Engineering, this dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and creating a small fish pond. With a height of 28 feet and a length of 652 feet, Ketchum Butte has a storage capacity of 148 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 10.6 acres.
Despite its low hazard potential, Ketchum Butte's condition assessment is rated as poor, with the last inspection in August 2017. The dam's hydraulic height is 22 feet, and it has an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 30 feet. The outlet gates consist of a single valve. While the risk assessment is moderate, there are no specific risk management measures outlined for this dam.
Situated in a picturesque location, Ketchum Butte provides essential water resources for the surrounding area while also offering recreational opportunities and wildlife habitat. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the unique design and purpose of this dam make it a fascinating structure to study and appreciate in the beautiful Wyoming landscape.
Year Completed |
2001 |
Dam Length |
652 |
Dam Height |
28 |
River Or Stream |
WILD COW CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
10.6 |
Hydraulic Height |
22 |
Drainage Area |
5 |
Nid Storage |
148 |
Structural Height |
35 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
35 |
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.
Ketchum Butte
Muddy Creek