Hirsig No. 3 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Hirsig No.
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Summary
3 is a privately owned dam located in Hawk Springs, Wyoming, on a branch of North Bear Creek. Built in 1975, this Earth-type dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and small fish pond management. With a height of 30 feet and a length of 820 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 253 acre-feet and a drainage area of 5.4 square miles.
Despite its low hazard potential, Hirsig No. 3 is in poor condition as of the last inspection in August 2019. The dam has an uncontrolled spillway and one outlet gate, with a maximum discharge capacity of 979 cubic feet per second. The risk assessment for this dam is moderate, indicating the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its safety and functionality.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the management of small dams for various purposes, such as flood risk reduction and wildlife habitat enhancement, may find Hirsig No. 3 an intriguing case study. The dam's location in Laramie County, Wyoming, and its historical significance as a water management structure provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of maintaining such infrastructure in a changing climate.
Year Completed |
1975 |
Dam Length |
820 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
BRANCH OF NORTH BEAR CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
19 |
Hydraulic Height |
24 |
Drainage Area |
5.4 |
Nid Storage |
253 |
Structural Height |
38 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
38 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Hirsig No. 3