Paint Creek Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Paint Creek, located in Park County, Wyoming, is an offstream irrigation reservoir with a primary purpose of providing water for agricultural use.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Constructed in 1911, this earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet and has a maximum storage capacity of 675 acre-feet. Despite its age, the dam is still in use, albeit with a poor condition assessment indicating the need for maintenance and potential improvements.

The dam on Paint Creek is regulated by the State of Wyoming, with inspections conducted every 5 years to ensure its safety and integrity. With a low hazard potential but a moderate risk assessment rating, there is a need for ongoing risk management measures to address any potential issues that may arise. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and a single valve outlet gate, serving as the primary means of water release when needed.

While Paint Creek reservoir provides vital irrigation water for the surrounding agricultural lands, its aging infrastructure and poor condition assessment highlight the importance of ongoing maintenance and potential upgrades to ensure the safety and reliability of this water resource. Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find interest in the history and current status of this dam, as well as the challenges involved in managing and maintaining it for the future.

Year Completed

1911

Dam Length

740

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

PAINT CREEK OFFSTREAM

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8

Hydraulic Height

15

Nid Storage

675

Structural Height

20

Outlet Gates

Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

20
       
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.