Mertz No. 2 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Mertz No.


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Summary

2 is a private irrigation dam located in Platte, Wyoming, along the Laramie River offstream. This Earth-type dam was completed in 1905 and stands at a height of 19 feet, with a storage capacity of 125 acre-feet. Despite its age, the dam is still in use for irrigation purposes and is regulated by the Wyoming State Engineer's Office, with regular inspections ensuring its safety and compliance with state regulations.

With a low hazard potential but a poor condition assessment, Mertz No. 2 poses some risks that have been identified as high. The dam lacks a spillway and outlet gates, which could potentially impact its ability to manage water levels during periods of high discharge. Despite these concerns, the dam continues to serve its primary purpose of irrigation for the surrounding area, demonstrating the importance of maintaining and monitoring aging infrastructure to ensure the safety and sustainability of water resources in the region.

As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure, the importance of maintaining and upgrading dams like Mertz No. 2 becomes increasingly critical. With a risk assessment rating of High (2), there is a clear need for risk management measures to be implemented to mitigate potential hazards and ensure the long-term resilience of this vital water resource infrastructure in Wyoming.

Year Completed

1905

Dam Length

600

Dam Height

19

River Or Stream

LARAMIE RIVER OFFSTREAM

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

11

Hydraulic Height

17

Nid Storage

125

Structural Height

19

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

19
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.