Red Spires Detention Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Red Spires Detention, located in Big Horn, Wyoming, is a federal-owned structure regulated by the Bureau of Land Management.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
This gravity dam, completed in 2003, stands at a structural height of 34 feet and a hydraulic height of 26 feet. It serves the primary purpose of storing water from the Big Von Creek, with a storage capacity of 97.4 acre-feet and a normal storage of 4.98 acre-feet.
With a low hazard potential and unsatisfactory condition assessment, Red Spires Detention is in need of regular inspections and maintenance. The dam has a moderate risk assessment rating, indicating potential challenges that need to be addressed. Despite its modest size, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area, with a drainage area of 3700 acres and a maximum discharge capacity of 2333 cubic feet per second.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Red Spires Detention an intriguing structure, situated in a picturesque location with significant implications for flood control and water storage. As a federal-owned facility, its management and maintenance by the Bureau of Land Management are key to ensuring the continued safety and effectiveness of this essential infrastructure.
Year Completed |
2003 |
Dam Length |
1595 |
River Or Stream |
BIG VON CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
33.2 |
Hydraulic Height |
26 |
Drainage Area |
3700 |
Nid Storage |
97.4 |
Structural Height |
34 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
34 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Greybull River At Meeteetse
|
338cfs |
Bighorn River At Basin
|
996cfs |
Bighorn R At Worland Wyo
|
4350cfs |
Cottonwood C At High Island Rnch Nr Hamilton Dome
|
1cfs |
Shoshone River Below Buffalo Bill Reservoir
|
315cfs |
Bighorn River At Kane
|
1340cfs |
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.
Red Spires Detention