Darrah No. 2 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Darrah No.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

2 is a privately owned earth dam located in Cody, Wyoming, along the East Fork Carter Creek. Completed in 1914 for irrigation purposes, this structure stands at 32 feet in height and spans 210 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 290 acre-feet and a surface area of 8 acres, it serves as a vital resource for water management in the area.

Despite its age, Darrah No. 2 has been regulated, inspected, and enforced by the State of Wyoming, ensuring its safety and functionality. The dam's condition assessment in 2018 reported it as poor, with a low hazard potential and moderate risk level. While the dam has a single valve outlet gate, no associated structures, and an uncontrolled spillway, it continues to play a crucial role in supporting local irrigation needs.

Considered a historic landmark within the region, Darrah No. 2 remains a key element in the water resource infrastructure of Park County, Wyoming. As climate change impacts continue to influence water availability and demand, the maintenance and monitoring of dams like Darrah No. 2 are essential to ensure the sustainable management of water resources for future generations.

Year Completed

1914

Dam Length

210

Dam Height

32

River Or Stream

EAST FORK CARTER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8

Hydraulic Height

27

Nid Storage

290

Structural Height

32

Outlet Gates

Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

32
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.