Bell and Scranton No. 1 is an earth dam located in Albany County, Wyoming, built in 1966. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
Dam profile
NID height · 35 ft35 ft tall and 925 ft long, taller than 80% of U.S. dams with a recorded height. Height is drawn to scale against a two-story house, about 25 ft; the profile is a generic embankment section and the water level is illustrative.
About Bell and Scranton No. 1
The primary purpose of Bell and Scranton No. 1 is irrigation. The dam stores and diverts water for agricultural irrigation, supporting farming operations in the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Bell-otte Ranch Attn: Celia Corson (private). It impounds the Soldier Creek near Torrington.
The dam stands 35 feet tall and stretches 925 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 70 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 1,051 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 3 square miles. Completed in 1966, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. Its condition is rated fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. The most recent inspection on record was 08/06/2025.
At 35 feet, this dam is taller than 80% of dams nationwide.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Wyoming |
| County | Albany |
| Nearest City | Torrington |
| River/Stream | Soldier Creek |
| Coordinates | 42.29500, -105.70230 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 35 ft |
| Dam Height | 35 ft |
| Dam Length | 925 ft |
| Year Completed | 1966 (60 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 1,051 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 1,051 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 626 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 70 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 140 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Irrigation |
| Owner | Bell-otte Ranch Attn: Celia Corson |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 08/06/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | WY00074 |
| Federal ID | WY00074 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |