Cherokee Reservoir Report
Last Updated: January 12, 2026
Cherokee is a privately owned dam located in Carbon County, Wyoming, near the city of Rawlins.
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Summary
Built in 1917, Cherokee serves as a key water supply structure for the region, with a primary purpose of providing water. The dam is situated on Cherokee Creek and has a height of 26 feet, a hydraulic height of 21 feet, and a length of 404 feet.
Despite its age, Cherokee is considered to have a low hazard potential but is in poor condition as of the last inspection in June 2020. The dam has a normal storage capacity of 61 acre-feet and a maximum storage capacity of 97 acre-feet. The spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 10 feet. The dam has one valve outlet gate and is located within the Sacramento District of the US Army Corps of Engineers.
Overall, Cherokee presents a moderate risk level, with some areas of concern regarding its condition and maintenance. Given its importance for water supply in the region, continued monitoring and potential improvements may be necessary to ensure the safety and reliability of this essential infrastructure. Climate and water resource enthusiasts will find Cherokee to be a fascinating case study in the intersection of historical dam construction, modern water management practices, and the ongoing challenges of maintaining aging infrastructure in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1917 |
Dam Length |
404 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
CHEROKEE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
10 |
Hydraulic Height |
21 |
Nid Storage |
97 |
Structural Height |
26 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
26 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Cherokee