South Spring Creek Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

South Spring Creek Lake, located in Carbon County, Wyoming, is a private water reservoir primarily used for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

Built in 1917, this earth dam stands at a height of 33 feet and has a storage capacity of 856 acre-feet. The lake covers a surface area of 34 acres and serves as a crucial source of water for agricultural activities in the region.

Despite its importance for irrigation, South Spring Creek Lake poses a high hazard potential due to its poor condition assessment. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 12 feet, making it crucial for regular inspections and maintenance to ensure public safety. The last inspection in August 2018 highlighted the need for improvement, emphasizing the necessity for emergency action plans and risk management measures to mitigate potential threats.

With a drainage area of 1.8 square miles and a moderate risk assessment rating, South Spring Creek Lake remains a key water resource in Wyoming. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, it is essential for stakeholders to prioritize the preservation and maintenance of such reservoirs to ensure sustainable water management practices for future generations.

Year Completed

1917

Dam Length

537

Dam Height

33

River Or Stream

SOUTH SPRING CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

34

Hydraulic Height

27

Drainage Area

1.8

Nid Storage

856

Structural Height

33

Outlet Gates

Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

33
       
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.