Buckaroo Freshwater Cell Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Buckaroo Freshwater Cell in Laramie, Wyoming, is a privately owned irrigation dam designed by Russ Dahlgren and completed in 2018.


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Summary

Situated on Childs Draw, this earth dam stands at a height of 18 feet and spans 2000 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 78 acre-feet. The dam serves the primary purpose of irrigation and is regulated by the State of Wyoming through the State Engineer's Office, ensuring regular inspections and enforcement of safety measures.

With a low hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment, the Buckaroo Freshwater Cell poses a moderate risk as per the latest risk assessment. Despite being a relatively new structure, last inspected in July 2020, the dam has met regulatory guidelines and is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway system. Although the drainage area is limited and the maximum discharge is 8 cfs, the dam's surface area of 6 acres provides valuable water storage for agricultural use in the region. Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find this dam a fascinating example of sustainable water management in a semi-arid landscape, showcasing the importance of efficient irrigation infrastructure for agricultural productivity in Wyoming.

Year Completed

2018

Dam Length

2000

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

CHILDS DRAW

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6

Hydraulic Height

18

Nid Storage

78

Structural Height

18

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

18
       
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.