Smith No. 1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Ramsbottom Murphy
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Smith No.
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Summary
1 is a privately owned earth dam located in Johnson, Wyoming, with a primary purpose of providing fire protection, stock, and small fish pond services. Completed in 1957, this dam stands at 27 feet in height and has a storage capacity of 118 acre-feet. It is situated on the Homestead Draw river or stream, in close proximity to the city of Arvada, Wyoming.
Despite its low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Smith No. 1 is regulated by the State of Wyoming and undergoes regular inspections, enforcement, and permitting processes to ensure its safety and compliance. With a moderate risk assessment score of 3 out of 5, this dam is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway and lacks outlet gates. Its last inspection in July 2020 revealed no major issues, indicating that Smith No. 1 continues to serve its intended purposes effectively.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Smith No. 1 offers a fascinating case study of a privately owned dam in a rural setting, providing essential services to the local community. With its historical significance dating back to the mid-20th century, this structure represents a blend of traditional engineering design and modern regulatory oversight. As climate change impacts water resources worldwide, understanding the management and maintenance of dams like Smith No. 1 becomes crucial for ensuring water security and resilience in the face of evolving environmental challenges.
Year Completed |
1957 |
Dam Length |
320 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
HOMESTEAD DRAW |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
9 |
Hydraulic Height |
22 |
Nid Storage |
118 |
Structural Height |
28 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
28 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Nf Powder River Below Pass Creek
|
50cfs |
Clear Creek Near Buffalo
|
30cfs |
North Fork Powder River Near Hazelton
|
3cfs |
Powder River At Sussex
|
144cfs |
Rock Creek Near Buffalo
|
70cfs |
Piney Creek At Kearny
|
113cfs |
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.
Smith No. 1