Windspeed
Humidity
Big Sandy, located in Sweetwater, Wyoming, is a Federal-owned dam on Big Sandy Creek with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction. Constructed in 1951, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 85 feet and has a storage capacity of 54,400 acre-feet. The dam spans 2,350 feet in length and has a spillway width of 170 feet, designed to handle a maximum discharge of 7,350 cubic feet per second.
Managed by the Bureau of Reclamation, Big Sandy plays a critical role in mitigating flood risks in the region and providing irrigation water for agricultural purposes. The dam is state-regulated and inspected regularly to ensure its structural integrity and operational efficiency. With a hazard potential rated as high and a moderate risk assessment score, efforts are in place to manage potential risks and ensure the safety of surrounding communities.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Big Sandy serves as a vital infrastructure for water management in the area, showcasing the intersection of engineering, environmental stewardship, and public safety. As a key component of the Bureau of Reclamation's operations, the dam exemplifies the importance of proactive risk management and regulatory oversight in safeguarding water resources and enhancing resilience to climate-related challenges. With its strategic location and significant storage capacity, Big Sandy stands as a testament to the ongoing efforts to balance water needs, flood protection, and ecological sustainability in the region.
Storage 24hr Change | 0.07% |
Percent of Normal | 150% |
Minimum |
81 acre-ft
2021-08-18 |
Maximum |
51,962.71 acre-ft
2024-06-10 |
Average | 16,201 acre-ft |
Nid_Height | 85 |
Hydraulic_Height | 69 |
Drainage_Area | 439 |
Year_Completed | 1951 |
Dam_Height | 85 |
Structural_Height | 85 |
Primary_Dam_Type | Earth |
Foundations | Rock, Soil |
Surface_Area | 2510 |
Hazard_Potential | High |
Outlet_Gates | Valve - 2 |
Nid_Storage | 54400 |
River_Or_Stream | BIG SANDY CREEK |
Dam_Length | 2350 |
Discharge | Stage | Elevation | |
NEW FORK RIVER NEAR BIG PINEY
2024-04-11T02:00:00.000-06:00 |
323cfs | 3.38ft | 6807ft |
BIG SANDY RIVER NEAR FARSON
2024-04-11T02:00:00.000-06:00 |
37cfs | 3.68ft | 6774ft |
GREEN RIVER NEAR GREEN RIVER
2024-04-11T01:30:00.000-06:00 |
707cfs | 2.43ft | 6070ft |
BLACKS FORK NEAR LITTLE AMERICA
2024-04-11T02:00:00.000-06:00 |
398cfs | 7.26ft | 6136ft |
GREEN RIVER BELOW FONTENELLE RESERVOIR
2025-02-06T03:00:00.000-07:00 |
843cfs | 11.33ft | 6401ft |
DINWOODY CREEK ABOVE LAKES
2025-02-06T02:45:00.000-07:00 |
6cfs | 1.28ft | 6526ft |
PACIFIC CREEK NEAR FARSON
2024-04-11T01:45:00.000-06:00 |
3cfs | 5.07ft | 6666ft |