Lake Mckinney Reservoir Report
Nearby: Delbert Jones Snyder No. 1
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Lake Mckinney, located in Big Horn, Wyoming, is a privately-owned reservoir primarily used for irrigation purposes.
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Summary
The dam, constructed in 1939, stands at a height of 26 feet with a hydraulic height of 21 feet and a length of 735 feet. With a storage capacity of 550 acre-feet and a surface area of 41 acres, Lake Mckinney plays a crucial role in providing water for fire protection, livestock, and small fish ponds in the surrounding area.
Despite being classified as a low hazard potential structure with fair condition assessment, Lake Mckinney is regulated and inspected by the State of Wyoming to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 60 feet and a slide gate outlet. In case of emergencies, the reservoir has emergency action plans in place, although details on their preparation and guidelines compliance are not provided in the data.
Overall, Lake Mckinney presents a moderate risk level, with a risk assessment rating of 3. While the reservoir contributes significantly to local irrigation needs, climate enthusiasts and water resource professionals may find interest in monitoring and assessing the risk management measures and potential impacts of the dam on the surrounding ecosystem and water resources in the region.
Year Completed |
1939 |
Dam Length |
735 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
MCKINNEY CR, TRIB GREYBULL RIV |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
41 |
Hydraulic Height |
21 |
Nid Storage |
550 |
Structural Height |
26 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
26 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Bighorn River At Basin
|
996cfs |
Bighorn River At Kane
|
1340cfs |
Shell Creek Near Shell
|
74cfs |
Shoshone River Near Lovell
|
460cfs |
Bighorn R At Worland Wyo
|
4350cfs |
Greybull River At Meeteetse
|
338cfs |
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.
Lake Mckinney