Dome Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Dome Lake, located in Sheridan, Wyoming, is a privately owned irrigation dam completed in 1906 on the West Fork Big Goose Creek.


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Summary

With a height of 8 feet and a hydraulic height of 5 feet, this earth dam serves as a crucial water resource for the surrounding area, providing a storage capacity of 525 acre-feet and covering a surface area of 101 acres. The dam's spillway, with a width of 75 feet, is uncontrolled, and it is equipped with a single slide gate as its outlet.

Despite its age, Dome Lake's condition assessment is rated as fair, with a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment. The dam is inspected every five years, with the last inspection conducted in September 2020. While the risk management measures and emergency action plan status are not specified in the data, the dam is regulated by the State of Wyoming, ensuring that it meets state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements. Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the history and maintenance of irrigation dams will find Dome Lake to be an intriguing case study in water management and infrastructure resilience.

Year Completed

1906

Dam Length

700

Dam Height

8

River Or Stream

WEST FORK BIG GOOSE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

101

Hydraulic Height

5

Nid Storage

525

Structural Height

8

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

8
       
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.