Horn & Meason Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Horn & Meason is a private earth dam located in Carbon County, Wyoming, specifically in the city of Saratoga along Cedar Creek.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Completed in 1920 for irrigation purposes, this structure stands at a height of 18 feet with a hydraulic height of 13 feet, offering a storage capacity of 291 acre-feet and a surface area of 92 acres. Despite its age, the dam is in fair condition with a low hazard potential, as indicated by a recent inspection in July 2021.

Managed by the State Engineer's Office, Horn & Meason is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state of Wyoming. The spillway, of uncontrolled type and 40 feet wide, serves as the primary outlet for the dam, which is equipped with a single valve. The risk assessment for this dam is moderate (3), signaling the need for ongoing monitoring and risk management measures to ensure its continued safety and functionality for irrigation purposes. With Liz Cheney representing Congressional District 00, Wyoming, the dam plays a crucial role in sustaining agricultural activities in the region.

In summary, Horn & Meason is a vital piece of infrastructure that contributes to water resource management in the area. As climate change continues to impact water availability and usage patterns, maintaining and monitoring structures like this earth dam will be essential for ensuring the resilience of local communities and ecosystems in the face of evolving environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1920

Dam Length

430

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

CEDAR CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

92

Hydraulic Height

13

Nid Storage

291

Structural Height

18

Outlet Gates

Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

18
       
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.