Puffball Reservoir Report
Nearby: Oil Well Stock Cadiz Stock
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Puffball is a privately owned earth dam located in Powder River, Wyoming, with a primary purpose of providing fire protection, stock water, and a small fish pond.
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Summary
Built in 1967 by designer Clifford J Sanders, this structure stands at a height of 27 feet and has a storage capacity of 122 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Puffball is regularly inspected by the state regulatory agency to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.
Situated on the South Prong Deadman Creek, Puffball serves as a critical water resource in Sheridan County, Wyoming, supporting various agricultural and recreational activities in the region. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 14 feet and no outlet gates. With a surface area of 7 acres and a drainage area of 0, Puffball plays a crucial role in water management and conservation efforts in the area.
Although Puffball has a moderate risk assessment rating, the dam remains a valuable asset for the community, providing essential water storage and fire protection capabilities. With regular inspections and maintenance, Puffball continues to serve as a vital infrastructure for the residents of Powder River, Montana, and surrounding areas.
Year Completed |
1967 |
Dam Length |
298 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
SO PRONG DEADMAN CK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7 |
Hydraulic Height |
21 |
Nid Storage |
122 |
Structural Height |
26 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
27 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Powder River At Arvada
|
156cfs |
Wild Horse Creek Near Arvada
|
0cfs |
Clear Creek Near Arvada
|
256cfs |
Powder River At Moorhead Mt
|
60cfs |
Piney Creek At Kearny
|
113cfs |
Clear Creek Near Buffalo
|
12cfs |
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.
Puffball