Paddy No. 1, located in Niobrara, Wyoming, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1963 for multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond. With a height of 29 feet and a length of 414 feet, this structure on Paddy Draw is a vital resource in the region, providing a storage capacity of 87 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is in poor condition as of the last inspection in May 2018.

Designed by JOHN A LAMBERT, Paddy No. 1 is regulated by the State of Wyoming through the State Engineer's Office, with ongoing inspection, enforcement, and permitting in place. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled with a width of 45 feet, and it has one outlet valve. The risk assessment for Paddy No. 1 indicates a moderate level of risk, highlighting the importance of continued monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and functionality of this water resource for the community.

Overall, Paddy No. 1 stands as a crucial infrastructure for water management in the region, serving multiple purposes while facing challenges in its current condition. With a strategic location in Edgemont, SD, this earth dam on Paddy Draw requires attention and investment to mitigate the identified risks and safeguard its ability to provide essential services for fire protection, livestock, and aquatic life. As climate change impacts water resources, the significance of maintaining and improving structures like Paddy No. 1 becomes even more pronounced for the local community and ecosystem.