Ken No. 1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 26, 2025

Ken No.


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Summary

1 is a privately owned earth dam situated in Platte, Wyoming, designed for flood risk reduction along the Johnston Draw river. Completed in 1968, this dam stands at a height of 35 feet with a hydraulic height of 30 feet, serving a primary purpose of flood risk reduction. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is currently assessed to be in poor condition as of September 2017, highlighting the need for maintenance and improvements to ensure its continued effectiveness in mitigating flood risks in the region.

With a capacity to store 34 acre-feet of water, Ken No. 1 plays a crucial role in controlling water flow and protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and one other controlled outlet gate, underscoring its importance in managing water levels during periods of high precipitation. Although the dam has not been modified in recent years, regular inspections are conducted to assess its structural integrity and functionality, with a moderate risk assessment rating of 3 indicating the need for ongoing monitoring and risk management measures to safeguard the community from potential hazards associated with dam failure.

As climate change continues to impact weather patterns and increase the frequency of extreme weather events, the proper maintenance and management of dams like Ken No. 1 are essential for ensuring the safety and resilience of communities in flood-prone areas. By addressing the poor condition of the dam and implementing necessary improvements, stakeholders can enhance its effectiveness in flood risk reduction and better protect the local environment and infrastructure from the potential impacts of flooding.

Year Completed

1968

Dam Length

223

Dam Height

35

River Or Stream

JOHNSTON DRAW

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2

Hydraulic Height

30

Nid Storage

34

Structural Height

35

Outlet Gates

Other Controlled - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

35
       
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.