Kearney Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 22, 2025

Kearney Lake in Wyoming serves as a vital water resource for irrigation purposes, with a primary dam type being earth and a height of 67 feet.


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Summary

Completed in 1963, the reservoir has a storage capacity of 7,500 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 193 acres. Located in Johnson County, near the city of Story, Kearney Lake is fed by the North Fork South Piney Creek and has a drainage area of 15.7 square miles.

Despite being privately owned, Kearney Lake falls under state jurisdiction and is regulated by the Wyoming State Engineer's Office. The dam has a high hazard potential but is currently in fair condition, with the last inspection taking place in August 2017. With a maximum discharge of 1,000 cubic feet per second and an uncontrolled spillway, Kearney Lake poses moderate risk, making risk management measures essential for its continued operation and safety.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will appreciate Kearney Lake's importance in supporting agricultural activities in the region and the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its structural integrity and safe operation. The reservoir's location within the Omaha District of the US Army Corps of Engineers highlights its significance in water management and underscores the critical role it plays in sustaining the local ecosystem and economy.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

1032

Dam Height

67

River Or Stream

NORTH FORK SOUTH PINEY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

193

Hydraulic Height

58

Drainage Area

15.7

Nid Storage

7500

Structural Height

67

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

67
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.