Griffith Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Griffith is a privately owned dam located in Sheridan, Wyoming, specifically in the city of Powder River.


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Summary

Built in 1952, this earth dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and small fish pond management along Griffith Creek. With a height of 25 feet and a length of 540 feet, Griffith has a storage capacity of 69 acre-feet and a surface area of 5 acres. Despite its low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, the dam is subject to regular state inspections and enforcement measures to ensure its safety and functionality.

Managed by the State Engineer's Office (SEO) in Wyoming, Griffith has a spillway width of 95 feet and an uncontrolled spillway type. The dam's outlet includes a single valve, and it is situated in Congressional District 00, represented by Liz Cheney (R). With a moderate risk assessment rating, Griffith has not undergone recent modifications and has a history of meeting state regulatory requirements. Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the management and maintenance of small-scale dams will find Griffith's data to be a valuable resource for understanding the intersection of water infrastructure, environmental stewardship, and public safety in the region.

Year Completed

1952

Dam Length

540

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

GRIFFITH CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5

Hydraulic Height

20

Nid Storage

69

Structural Height

25

Outlet Gates

Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

25
       
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.