Sides No. 1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Williams Dogie No. 3
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Sides No.
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Summary
1 is a private irrigation dam located in Niobrara, Wyoming, along the Sides Draw river. Built in 1952, this Earth-type dam stands at 30 feet high and spans 503 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 234 acre-feet. The dam serves the primary purpose of irrigation, providing water for agricultural activities in the region.
Despite being regulated by the Wyoming State Engineer's Office and regularly inspected, Sides No. 1 has a low hazard potential and is assessed to be in fair condition as of August 2020. With a moderate risk level of 3, the dam has an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 50 feet. While the dam has not been modified in recent years, it features one slide gate for outlet control.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the infrastructure and management of irrigation dams will find Sides No. 1 a fascinating example of a privately-owned structure designed to support agriculture in the region. Its historical significance, design features, and risk assessment provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with water resource management in Wyoming.
Year Completed |
1952 |
Dam Length |
503 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
SIDES DRAW |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
15 |
Hydraulic Height |
25 |
Nid Storage |
234 |
Structural Height |
30 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
30 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
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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.
Sides No. 1