Higgins No. 1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Higgins No. 2 A & P No. 1
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Higgins No.
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Summary
1 is a historic earth dam located in Converse, Wyoming, near the city of ORPHA. Built in 1911, this dam serves primarily for irrigation purposes, with a storage capacity of 270 acre-feet. It is situated on Dry Creek and Hutton Creek, providing vital water resources to the surrounding area. The dam has a structural height of 26 feet and a hydraulic height of 23 feet, with a spillway width of 40 feet.
Despite its age, Higgins No. 1 has a low hazard potential but is rated as having poor condition assessment as of the last inspection in May 2020. The dam is under state regulation and inspection, ensuring its continued safety and functionality for the community it serves. With a moderate risk assessment rating, the dam may require risk management measures in the future to address any potential concerns.
Overall, Higgins No. 1 stands as a testament to early water resource management in Wyoming, providing essential irrigation water for agricultural purposes. With ongoing state oversight and regular inspections, efforts are being made to maintain the dam's integrity and ensure its continued contribution to the local ecosystem. As a key infrastructure for water management in the region, Higgins No. 1 remains a critical asset for sustainable water resource management and climate resilience in Wyoming.
Year Completed |
1911 |
Dam Length |
1725 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
DRY CREEK AND HUTTON CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
31 |
Hydraulic Height |
23 |
Nid Storage |
270 |
Structural Height |
26 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
26 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Deer Creek In Canyon
|
5cfs |
Box Elder Creek At Boxelder
|
26cfs |
North Platte River At Orin
|
534cfs |
North Platte River Below Glendo Reservoir
|
5710cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Higgins No. 1
Canyon
Upper Boxelder Canyon