Helen Dixon No. 2 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Helen Dixon No.


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Summary

2 is a privately owned earth dam located in Niobrara, Wyoming, with a primary purpose of irrigation on the Garland Draw river. Completed in 1952, this dam stands at a height of 27 feet and has a storage capacity of 136 acre-feet, providing water resources for agricultural activities in the region. Despite its low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, it is subject to regular state inspections and enforcement to ensure its safety and functionality for the surrounding community.

Located in Congressional District 00, Wyoming, Helen Dixon No. 2 is overseen by the Wyoming State Engineer's Office, with state jurisdiction, permitting, inspection, and enforcement all in place to regulate its operations. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 100 feet, and it has an associated surface area of 10 acres. Although the dam has not been modified in recent years, its risk assessment is considered moderate, highlighting the importance of ongoing risk management measures to address any potential issues that may arise in the future.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Helen Dixon No. 2 an intriguing case study of a privately owned irrigation dam in Wyoming, showcasing the intersection of infrastructure, water management, and environmental stewardship. With its historical significance dating back to the 1950s and its ongoing regulatory oversight by the state, this dam serves as a vital component of the local water supply system, supporting agriculture and contributing to the resilience of the region's water resources in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1952

Dam Length

353

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

GARLAND DRAW

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Hydraulic Height

22

Nid Storage

136

Structural Height

27

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

27
       
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.