Cave Gulch Dam

CAVE GULCH· Natrona, Wyoming· Built 1964· Gravity·
Low Hazard Debris Control Federal Government

Key Takeaway

Cave Gulch Dam is classified as low hazard in Wyoming. It was completed in 1964 and is 62 years old. Its primary use is debris control.

Physical Details

Dam Length713 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage363 acre-ft
Normal Storage162 acre-ft
Surface Area51 acres
Drainage Area53 sq mi
Max Discharge2,340 cfs
Year Completed1964 (62 years old)
NID IDWY01439

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

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

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: July 21, 2017
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: SEO

Ownership

DOI BLM

Federal Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Cave Gulch Dam?

Cave Gulch Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Cave Gulch Dam?

Cave Gulch Dam is owned by DOI BLM (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Cave Gulch Dam built?

Cave Gulch Dam was completed in 1964, making it 62 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 Cave Gulch Dam?

Cave Gulch Dam serves the following purposes: Debris Control. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

When was Cave Gulch Dam last inspected?

Cave Gulch Dam was last inspected on July 21, 2017. 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.