Perkins Reservoir Report
Nearby: Bill Leavitt Reservoir Lampman
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Perkins is a privately-owned irrigation dam located in Big Horn, Wyoming, along the Boulden Gulch stream.
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Summary
Built in 1964 by designer John W Donnell, this Earth dam stands at a height of 25 feet and has a hydraulic height of 20 feet, serving the primary purpose of irrigation. With a storage capacity of 178 acre-feet, Perkins covers a surface area of 13 acres and has a spillway width of 20 feet.
Despite its low hazard potential, Perkins has been assessed to be in poor condition, with a risk level rated as moderate. The dam's inspection frequency is set at 5 years, with the last assessment conducted in September 2021. The dam features a slide (sluice gate) outlet gate and an uncontrolled spillway type. As a crucial water resource infrastructure in the area, Perkins plays a vital role in supporting agricultural activities and water management efforts in the region.
While Perkins has not undergone significant modifications over the years, its regulatory compliance and enforcement mechanisms remain active, with state jurisdiction, permitting, inspection, and enforcement all in place. As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure, monitoring and maintaining dams like Perkins will be crucial for ensuring water security and resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1964 |
Dam Length |
372 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
BOULDEN GULCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
13 |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Nid Storage |
178 |
Structural Height |
25 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
25 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Bighorn River At Basin
|
996cfs |
Shell Creek Near Shell
|
74cfs |
Bighorn River At Kane
|
1340cfs |
Shell Creek Above Shell Creek Reservoir
|
13cfs |
Bighorn R At Worland Wyo
|
4350cfs |
Shoshone River Near Lovell
|
460cfs |
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.
Perkins