Bates Creek

DRY FORK BATES CREEK· Natrona, Wyoming· Built 1910· Earth· 23 ft tall
Significant Hazard Irrigation Private

Key Takeaway

Bates Creek is classified as significant hazard in Wyoming. It was completed in 1910 and is 116 years old. Its primary use is irrigation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 23 ft (taller than 32.5% in WY)
Dam Length4,393 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage8.9K acre-ft
Normal Storage3.1K acre-ft
Surface Area786 acres
Drainage Area33 sq mi
Max Discharge4,000 cfs
Year Completed1910 (116 years old)
NID IDWY00238

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: June 11, 2019
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: SEO

Ownership

BATES CREEK RES. CO. - STEVE GARRETT

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Bates Creek?

Bates Creek is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Bates Creek?

Bates Creek is owned by BATES CREEK RES. CO. - STEVE GARRETT (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Bates Creek built?

Bates Creek was completed in 1910, making it 116 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Bates Creek?

Bates Creek serves the following purposes: Irrigation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Bates Creek?

Bates Creek has a dam height of 23 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Bates Creek last inspected?

Bates Creek was last inspected on June 11, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.