Mertz No. 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.