Summit Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Summit, located in Carbon County, Wyoming, is a privately owned earth dam built in 1954 primarily for irrigation purposes on the Little Beaver Creek.


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Summary

With a height of 25 feet and a storage capacity of 237 acre-feet, Summit serves as a crucial water resource for the region, supporting agriculture and ensuring water availability for the community of Saratoga, situated just 24 miles away.

Despite its vital role in water management, Summit has faced challenges in recent years, with a poor condition assessment reported in the last inspection in 2017. The dam's hazard potential is classified as low, but the overall risk assessment is rated as moderate. While the dam has an uncontrolled spillway and a slide gate outlet, there are concerns about its structural integrity and the need for regular maintenance to ensure safe operation and mitigate potential risks.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts continue to monitor Summit and its impact on the surrounding environment, attention to its maintenance and risk management measures will be crucial. With proper oversight and investment in infrastructure improvements, Summit can continue to contribute to sustainable water management practices in Wyoming, safeguarding water resources for current and future generations.

Year Completed

1954

Dam Length

780

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

LITTLE BEAVER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

28

Hydraulic Height

20

Nid Storage

237

Structural Height

25

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

25
       
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.