Ballard No. 4 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Windmill No. 1 Helen Dixon No. 2
Last Updated: December 7, 2025
Ballard No.
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Summary
4 is a private earth dam located in Niobrara, Wyoming, on Snyder Creek. Built in 1941 by designer Loren E. Bishop, this dam has a primary purpose of providing fire protection, stock watering, and serving as a small fish pond. With a height of 30 feet and a hydraulic height of 25 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 127 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 67 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is rated as being in poor condition as of the last inspection in August 2019.
The dam's spillway is uncontrolled and has a width of 20 feet, while the surface area of the reservoir behind the dam is 9 acres. Although the drainage area is listed as zero, the dam serves an important role in providing water resources for the surrounding area. The risk assessment for Ballard No. 4 is moderate, with a score of 3 out of 5, indicating a need for ongoing monitoring and potential management measures to ensure the safety and functionality of the dam for both its intended purposes and the surrounding ecosystem.
As a key part of the water infrastructure in the region, Ballard No. 4 plays a crucial role in fire protection, agricultural activities, and environmental conservation. With its historical significance and continued importance for water resource management, efforts to improve the condition and safety of the dam will be essential for ensuring the resilience of this vital resource in the face of changing climate conditions and increasing demands on water supplies.
Year Completed |
1941 |
Dam Length |
240 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
SNYDER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
9 |
Hydraulic Height |
25 |
Nid Storage |
127 |
Structural Height |
30 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
30 |
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.
Ballard No. 4