Wyoming Hereford Ranch No. 1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Wyoming Hereford Ranch No.


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Summary

1 is a private irrigation dam located in Laramie, Wyoming, along Crow Creek. Built in 1930 by designer Henry Lloyd, this earth dam stands at 28 feet high with a length of 1300 feet, providing a storage capacity of 1622 acre-feet for agricultural purposes. The dam, constructed with stone core and soil foundation, serves as a vital water resource for the surrounding area, with a normal storage capacity of 878 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 7180 cubic feet per second.

Despite its age, Wyoming Hereford Ranch No. 1 remains in fair condition as of the last inspection in September 2021, with a significant hazard potential due to its location and design. The dam is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway, 4 vertical lift outlet gates, and a spillway width of 1700 feet to manage potential flooding events. With a drainage area of 318 square miles and a surface area of 109 acres, this dam plays a crucial role in water management and irrigation for the local agricultural community. Overall, Wyoming Hereford Ranch No. 1 represents a key piece of infrastructure in maintaining water resources and supporting the climate-resilient practices of the region.

Year Completed

1930

Dam Length

1300

Dam Height

28

River Or Stream

CROW CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

109

Hydraulic Height

23

Drainage Area

318

Nid Storage

1622

Structural Height

28

Outlet Gates

Vertical Lift - 4

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

28
       
Seasonal Comparison

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Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.