J & H Ranch No. 1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

J & H Ranch No.


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Summary

1, located in Sheridan, Wyoming, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1959 for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes. The dam stands at 30 feet high with a hydraulic height of 25 feet and a length of 238 feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is in poor condition, last assessed in 2017, and has a moderate risk rating of 3.

Situated on Hanft Draw, a river/stream, the dam has a storage capacity of 37 acre-feet and a surface area of 3 acres. It features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 16 feet and no outlet gates. The dam is under state jurisdiction and regulation, with permitting, inspection, and enforcement conducted by the Wyoming State Engineer's Office. The inspection frequency is set at 5 years, with the last assessment conducted in September 2017.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, J & H Ranch No. 1 presents a unique case study in dam management and maintenance. With its historical significance dating back to the late 1950s, the dam serves multiple purposes while facing challenges in its structural integrity. The risk assessment highlights the importance of regular inspections and upkeep to ensure the safety and functionality of this key water resource infrastructure in the region.

Year Completed

1959

Dam Length

238

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

HANFT DRAW

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3

Hydraulic Height

25

Nid Storage

37

Structural Height

30

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

30
       
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.