Summary
Designed by John R. Long, this privately owned earth dam stands at a height of 33 feet, with a hydraulic height of 28 feet and a length of 1635 feet. With a storage capacity of 739 acre-feet and a surface area of 58 acres, the Orr dam plays a crucial role in water management in the area.
Despite being rated with a low hazard potential, the Orr dam is regularly inspected and maintained to ensure its structural integrity. The dam's condition assessment in 2019 deemed it to be in fair condition, with a moderate risk level. While it has uncontrolled spillways and no outlet gates, the dam's risk management measures and emergency preparedness protocols are being continuously updated to meet regulatory guidelines.
The Orr dam stands as a vital water resource structure in Wyoming, contributing to irrigation, fire protection, and stock maintenance. With its strategic location on Spring Branch, the dam plays a crucial role in water distribution and management in the region. As climate change continues to impact water resources, maintaining and monitoring dams like Orr becomes increasingly important for sustainable water management practices.
Year Completed |
1976 |
Dam Length |
1635 |
Dam Height |
33 |
River Or Stream |
SPRING BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
58 |
Hydraulic Height |
28 |
Drainage Area |
5.5 |
Nid Storage |
739 |
Structural Height |
33 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled - 0 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
33 |
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.
Orr