Wildcat No. 3 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Wildcat No. 1 Wildcat No. 2
Last Updated: December 7, 2025
Wildcat No.
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Summary
3 is a privately owned irrigation dam located in Niobrara, Wyoming, along the South Fork Wildcat Draw. Completed in 1959, this earth dam stands at 35 feet high and spans a length of 472 feet, with a storage capacity of 176 acre-feet. The dam's primary purpose is irrigation, serving the surrounding agricultural community in the region. Despite being regulated by the Wyoming State Engineer's Office and undergoing regular inspections, the dam is classified as having a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment.
Managed by a private owner, Wildcat No. 3 plays a crucial role in sustaining the local water resources for agricultural use. With a spillway width of 125 feet and an uncontrolled spillway type, the dam poses a moderate risk with a risk assessment rating of 3. While the dam has a slide gate outlet, it is noted that the drainage area associated with the structure is currently zero. The condition assessment in 2019 deemed the dam to be in fair condition, with an inspection frequency of every 5 years to ensure its continued safety and functionality.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Wildcat No. 3 presents an interesting case study of a privately owned irrigation dam in Wyoming. The dam's location in the South Fork Wildcat Draw contributes to the sustainable use of water for agricultural purposes in the region. As efforts to manage and maintain dams like Wildcat No. 3 continue, the intersection of water resource management, infrastructure maintenance, and climate change adaptation becomes increasingly important for ensuring the resilience of our water systems in the face of evolving environmental challenges.
Year Completed |
1959 |
Dam Length |
472 |
Dam Height |
35 |
River Or Stream |
SOUTH FORK WILDCAT DRAW |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
12 |
Hydraulic Height |
30 |
Nid Storage |
176 |
Structural Height |
35 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
35 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Wildcat No. 3