Shell Creek, located in Big Horn, Wyoming, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1957 for irrigation purposes.
Wind
Humidity
With a height of 40 feet and a hydraulic height of 33 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 2680 acre-feet, serving a drainage area of 24 square miles. The spillway, an uncontrolled type, has a width of 214 feet, allowing for a maximum discharge of 1800 cubic feet per second.
Despite its high hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, Shell Creek has been deemed to meet regulatory guidelines and undergoes regular inspections every 5 years. The dam is managed by the Wyoming State Engineer's Office and is in a state of satisfactory condition as of the last assessment in July 2020. The surrounding area, situated in the city of Shell, benefits from the water resource provided by Shell Creek for agricultural purposes, highlighting the importance of maintaining this vital infrastructure for the local community and ecosystem.
Year Completed |
1957 |
Dam Length |
400 |
Dam Height |
40 |
River Or Stream |
SHELL CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
98 |
Hydraulic Height |
33 |
Drainage Area |
24 |
Nid Storage |
2680 |
Structural Height |
50 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled - 2 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
50 |
Shell Creek Above Shell Creek Reservoir
|
13cfs |
Shell Creek Near Shell
|
74cfs |
South Piney Creek At Willow Park
|
0cfs |
Tongue River Near Dayton
|
48cfs |
Rock Creek Near Buffalo
|
70cfs |
Piney Creek At Kearny
|
113cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Shell Reservoir Camping Area
|
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Ranger Creek Campground
|
||
Ranger Creek Recreation Area
|
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Ranger Creek - Paintrock
|
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Shell Creek Campground
|
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Shell Creek
|