Dump Draw
Dump Draw is an earth dam located in Johnson County, Wyoming, built in 2019. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Dump Draw
The primary purpose of Dump Draw is flood risk reduction. The dam is designed to control downstream flooding by temporarily storing excess water during storms and releasing it at a controlled rate. The dam is owned by City Of Buffalo (local government). It impounds the Dump Draw near Buffalo.
The dam stands 42 feet tall and stretches 580 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 7 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 156 acre-feet. Completed in 2019, the structure is relatively new.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 05/20/2025.
At 42 feet, this dam is taller than 89% of dams nationwide.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Wyoming dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Wyoming |
| County | Johnson |
| Nearest City | Buffalo |
| River/Stream | Dump Draw |
| Coordinates | 44.35261, -106.71976 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 42 ft |
| Dam Height | 42 ft |
| Dam Length | 580 ft |
| Year Completed | 2019 (7 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 156 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 156 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 63 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 7 acres |
| Max Discharge | 8,421 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Flood Risk Reduction |
| Owner | CITY OF BUFFALO |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 05/20/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | WY02603 |
| Federal ID | WY02603 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |