Lake Viva Naughton Reservoir Report
Nearby: Viva Naughton Kemmerer
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Lake Viva Naughton, located in Lincoln County, Wyoming, is a captivating reservoir with a primary purpose of irrigation.
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Summary
Constructed in 1967, this earth dam stands at a height of 83 feet, with a hydraulic height of 77 feet, and a structural height of 83 feet. The reservoir has a storage capacity of 77,635 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 1,936 acres, drawing water from the Ham's Fork River for irrigation purposes.
The dam's spillway, at a width of 50 feet, is uncontrolled, and the reservoir has a maximum discharge capacity of 14,800 cubic feet per second. Despite being classified with a high hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is rated as fair. The last inspection in September 2020 revealed that the reservoir is in moderate risk with a DSAC-assigned risk rating of 3. With its picturesque location and vital role in irrigation, Lake Viva Naughton serves as a crucial water resource in the region, regulated and inspected by the Wyoming State Engineer's Office.
Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will be intrigued by Lake Viva Naughton's significance in water management and its impact on the surrounding environment. With its historical construction by designer Harold Boehner and ownership by a public utility, this reservoir plays a crucial role in sustaining agricultural activities in the area. The dam's presence on the Ham's Fork River, along with its storage capacity, surface area, and maximum discharge, demonstrates its importance in water supply and management in Wyoming.
Year Completed |
1967 |
Dam Length |
3200 |
Dam Height |
83 |
River Or Stream |
HAM'S FORK RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
1936 |
Hydraulic Height |
77 |
Drainage Area |
233 |
Nid Storage |
77635 |
Structural Height |
83 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled - 0 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
83 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Hams Fork Below Pole Creek
|
6cfs |
Fontenelle C Nr Herschler Ranch
|
33cfs |
Bear River Below Pixley Dam
|
1cfs |
Bear River Below Smiths Fork
|
180cfs |
Smiths Fork Near Border
|
68cfs |
Bear River At Border
|
160cfs |
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 Viva Naughton