Padlock No. 1 A Five Mile Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 20, 2025

Padlock No.


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Summary

1 A Five Mile, located in Ranchester, Wyoming, is a privately owned earth dam constructed in 1961 for the primary purpose of irrigation. This dam, standing at a height of 36 feet and with a structural height of 40 feet, impounds Five Mile Creek, creating a reservoir with a normal storage capacity of 536 acre-feet. The dam has a spillway width of 140 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 8,561 cubic feet per second.

Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, Padlock No. 1 A Five Mile is currently in fair condition and is inspected every five years to ensure its structural integrity. The dam is regulated and permitted by the Wyoming State Engineer's Office, with all necessary inspections and enforcement measures in place. With a risk assessment rating of moderate, this dam plays a crucial role in providing water for irrigation purposes while also serving for fire protection, stock watering, and small fish pond habitats in the area.

Overall, Padlock No. 1 A Five Mile is an essential water resource infrastructure in Sheridan County, Wyoming, ensuring water supply for agricultural activities and other uses in the region. As a part of the broader network of dams in the area, this structure highlights the importance of proper maintenance and regulatory oversight to mitigate potential risks and ensure the safety and reliability of water resources in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1961

Dam Length

1228

Dam Height

36

River Or Stream

FIVE MILE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

59

Hydraulic Height

30

Drainage Area

13.5

Nid Storage

960

Structural Height

40

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 0

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

40
       
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.