Upper Sunshine is a privately owned irrigation dam located in Park County, Wyoming, near the town of Meeteetse.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1942 by designer Howard F. Bell, this earth dam stands at a height of 154 feet and spans a length of 1150 feet, with a storage capacity of 65,100 acre-feet. The dam, situated on the Greybull River offstream, serves the primary purpose of irrigation and is regulated by the State of Wyoming, with inspections conducted regularly to ensure its structural integrity.
With a hazard potential classified as high and a condition assessment rated as fair, Upper Sunshine presents a moderate risk level that requires ongoing risk management measures. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 40 feet and five valve outlet gates for water release. Despite its age, Upper Sunshine continues to play a crucial role in water resource management, providing irrigation water to support agricultural activities in the region. As a key infrastructure in Wyoming's water system, the dam exemplifies the intersection of human engineering and environmental stewardship in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1942 |
Dam Length |
1150 |
Dam Height |
154 |
River Or Stream |
GREYBULL RIVER (OFFSTREAM) |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
1156 |
Hydraulic Height |
144 |
Drainage Area |
12.8 |
Nid Storage |
65100 |
Structural Height |
160 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve - 5 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
160 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Wood River
|
||
Brown Mountain Campground
|
||
Brown Mountain
|