Maxwell Reservoir Report
Nearby: Paul No. 3 13-19-56-82
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Maxwell is a privately owned irrigation dam located in Sheridan, Wyoming, along the East Cat Creek.
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Summary
Built in 1901, this earth dam stands at a height of 30 feet and has a storage capacity of 112 acre-feet. While the dam is primarily used for irrigation purposes, its low hazard potential and poor condition assessment raise concerns for its long-term reliability and safety. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 10 feet, and it is equipped with one other controlled outlet gate.
Despite its historical significance and role in supporting agricultural activities in the region, Maxwell's condition assessment and risk assessment both indicate areas of concern that warrant attention. The dam's poor condition assessment, moderate risk level, and lack of emergency action plan readiness highlight the need for proactive maintenance and risk management measures to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure. With Liz Cheney as the Congressional representative for the area, stakeholders and regulatory agencies must work together to address these challenges and safeguard the community and environment from potential hazards associated with the dam's operation.
Year Completed |
1901 |
Dam Length |
300 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
EAST CAT CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
10 |
Hydraulic Height |
22 |
Nid Storage |
112 |
Structural Height |
30 |
Outlet Gates |
Other Controlled - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
30 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Goose Creek Near Acme
|
123cfs |
Piney Creek At Kearny
|
113cfs |
Tongue River At Monarch
|
383cfs |
Prairie Dog Creek Near Acme
|
19cfs |
Tongue River At State Line Nr Decker Mt
|
195cfs |
Rock Creek Near Buffalo
|
70cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Maxwell