1 is a privately-owned irrigation dam located in Sheridan, Wyoming, specifically in the city of Dayton along the North Fork Smith Creek. Constructed in 1966 by designer Walter J. Pilch, this earth-type dam stands at 44 feet tall with a hydraulic height of 38 feet and a structural height of 53 feet. With a storage capacity of 268 acre-feet, the dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and irrigation, making it a crucial water resource for the area.
Despite its importance, Bear Claw Love No. 1 poses a high hazard potential due to its condition assessment rating of 'Fair.' The dam has a spillway width of 75 feet and an uncontrolled spillway type, with a maximum discharge capacity of 769 cubic feet per second. While the last inspection in June 2017 revealed moderate risk with a risk assessment rating of 3, the dam is regularly inspected every five years to ensure its safety and functionality. As climate change continues to impact water resources, it is essential to monitor and maintain infrastructure like Bear Claw Love No. 1 to secure water availability for irrigation and other uses in the region.
Year Completed |
1966 |
Dam Length |
900 |
Dam Height |
44 |
River Or Stream |
NORTH FORK SMITH CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
19 |
Hydraulic Height |
38 |
Drainage Area |
0.5 |
Nid Storage |
268 |
Structural Height |
53 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled - 0 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
53 |
Tongue River Near Dayton
|
48cfs |
East Pass Creek Near Dayton
|
12cfs |
West Pass Creek Near Parkman
|
10cfs |
Tongue River At Monarch
|
383cfs |
Little Bighorn River At State Line Nr Wyola Mt
|
84cfs |
Goose Creek Near Acme
|
123cfs |