Clear Creek Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Clear Creek, located in Laramie, Wyoming, is a privately owned irrigation dam completed in 1910.


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Summary

The dam is classified as an earth dam with a height of 25 feet and a hydraulic height of 20 feet. It serves the primary purpose of irrigation and has a storage capacity of 92 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 69 acre-feet. The dam spans 720 feet in length and has a surface area of 15 acres, regulating water flow from Clear Creek, a tributary of Crow Creek.

Despite its age, Clear Creek Dam is considered to have a low hazard potential but is in poor condition as of the last inspection in August 2019. The dam has an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 50 feet and one outlet gate. With a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, there is a need for ongoing risk management measures to ensure the safety and functionality of the structure. The dam is under state regulation and inspection by the Wyoming State Engineer's Office, with enforcement and permitting also overseen by the state agency.

In the event of an emergency, the dam lacks an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and updated contact information, raising concerns about preparedness. However, Clear Creek Dam remains a vital resource for irrigation in the region, highlighting the importance of maintaining and monitoring its condition to mitigate any potential risks related to its aging infrastructure. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Clear Creek Dam presents an opportunity to engage in discussions around the intersection of water management, infrastructure resilience, and environmental stewardship.

Year Completed

1910

Dam Length

720

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

CLEAR CREEK, TRIB. CROW CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

15

Hydraulic Height

20

Nid Storage

92

Structural Height

25

Outlet Gates

Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

25
       
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.