French Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

French is a privately owned dam located in Alva, Wyoming, on the Morris Draw river.


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Summary

Built in 1953, this earth dam stands at 37 feet tall and spans 264 feet in length, serving primarily for irrigation purposes. With a storage capacity of 68 acre-feet and a drainage area of 1.3 square miles, French has a significant hazard potential and is currently assessed to be in poor condition.

Despite being state regulated and inspected, French poses a moderate risk due to its condition and significant hazard potential. With a spillway width of 30 feet and an uncontrolled spillway type, the dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 1767 cubic feet per second. With only one outlet gate, the dam's emergency action plan (EAP) status, inundation maps, and risk management measures are currently unknown, highlighting the need for further evaluation and maintenance to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and water resources.

Year Completed

1953

Dam Length

264

Dam Height

37

River Or Stream

MORRIS DRAW

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5

Hydraulic Height

32

Drainage Area

1.3

Nid Storage

68

Structural Height

37

Outlet Gates

Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

37
       
Seasonal Comparison

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Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.