Mowry Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Mowry is a privately owned dam located in Johnson County, Wyoming, along Mowry Creek.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Built in 1963 for irrigation purposes, the earth dam stands at 30 feet high with a length of 365 feet, providing a maximum storage capacity of 42 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is rated as poor, with the last inspection conducted in September 2017.

The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 25 feet, and it is equipped with valve outlets for water release. The risk assessment for Mowry indicates a moderate level of risk, highlighting the need for improved risk management measures. The dam is under state jurisdiction and regulatory oversight by the Wyoming State Engineer's Office, with inspections and enforcement regularly carried out to ensure public safety and dam integrity.

Located just 11 miles from Buffalo, Wyoming, Mowry plays a crucial role in supporting agricultural activities in the region by providing irrigation water to the surrounding areas. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the infrastructure and maintenance challenges faced by dams like Mowry is essential for ensuring sustainable water management practices and safeguarding against potential risks associated with aging dam structures.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

365

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

MOWRY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3

Hydraulic Height

25

Nid Storage

42

Structural Height

30

Outlet Gates

Valve - 0

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

30
       
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.