Little Red Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Little Red, a private irrigation dam located in Sheridan, Wyoming, is situated on Clear Creek and serves as a vital water resource for the surrounding area.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Built in 1956, this earth dam stands at 32 feet high and has a storage capacity of 145 acre-feet. Despite its critical role in providing water for irrigation purposes, the dam's condition assessment is rated as poor, with a low hazard potential.

With a spillway width of 100 feet and an uncontrolled spillway type, Little Red has been inspected regularly, with the last assessment conducted in April 2021. The dam's risk assessment is classified as moderate, highlighting the need for ongoing risk management measures to address any potential issues. While the dam currently meets state regulatory requirements and undergoes inspections and enforcement, there is room for improvement in maintaining its structural integrity and ensuring the safety of the surrounding community in the face of changing climate conditions. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Little Red serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainable water management practices to mitigate the impacts of climate change on our vital water infrastructure.

Year Completed

1956

Dam Length

665

Dam Height

32

River Or Stream

CLEAR CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Hydraulic Height

27

Nid Storage

145

Structural Height

32

Outlet Gates

Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

32
       
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.