Seaverson Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Seaverson, located in Carbon County, Wyoming, is a privately owned irrigation structure built in 1944 on McPhail Creek.


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Summary

The dam, primarily constructed for irrigation purposes, stands at a height of 33 feet and has a hydraulic height of 26 feet. With a storage capacity of 125 acre-feet, the dam's normal storage level is at 84 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the structure's condition assessment in 2020 was rated as poor, highlighting the need for maintenance and potential upgrades to ensure its continued functionality.

Owned and regulated by a private entity, Seaverson's operation and maintenance fall under the state's jurisdiction, with inspections conducted periodically to assess its structural integrity. The dam's spillway type is classified as uncontrolled, with one valve serving as an outlet gate. The risk assessment for Seaverson is moderate, indicating potential vulnerabilities that need to be addressed to mitigate any potential threats to the surrounding area in case of an emergency. With Liz Cheney (R) representing the Congressional District, Seaverson plays a crucial role in providing water supply for irrigation in the region.

Overall, Seaverson serves as a vital irrigation structure in Wyoming, contributing to agricultural activities in the area. The dam's location in Ft Fred Steele by McPhail Creek underscores its importance in water resource management. As climate change continues to impact water availability and usage, maintaining and enhancing structures like Seaverson will be crucial in ensuring sustainable water supply for agricultural and community needs in the region.

Year Completed

1944

Dam Length

525

Dam Height

33

River Or Stream

MCPHAIL CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

11

Hydraulic Height

26

Nid Storage

125

Structural Height

33

Outlet Gates

Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

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.