Oil Well Stock Reservoir Report
Nearby: Cadiz Stock Puffball
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Oil Well Stock, located in Sheridan, Wyoming, is a privately owned earth dam built in 1969 for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes.
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Summary
The dam stands at a height of 26 feet with a hydraulic height of 21 feet and a length of 600 feet, providing a storage capacity of 127 acre-feet. The dam primarily serves the Davis Draw river or stream and is regulated by the Wyoming State Engineer's Office with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place.
Despite its low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Oil Well Stock poses a moderate risk due to its location and potential impact on the surrounding area. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 105 feet, and although it has not been modified in recent years, it undergoes inspections every five years to ensure its structural integrity. With Liz Cheney representing the Congressional District, the dam's emergency action plan status and risk management measures remain unspecified, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and preparedness.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Oil Well Stock presents a unique case study of a privately owned dam situated in a rural area of Wyoming. As an essential infrastructure for fire protection and stock purposes, the dam's condition, risk assessment, and regulatory framework provide valuable insights into the management of water resources in the region. With a focus on maintaining safety and mitigating potential hazards, ongoing monitoring and adherence to state regulations are crucial to ensure the stability and functionality of Oil Well Stock for the surrounding community and environment.
Year Completed |
1969 |
Dam Length |
600 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
DAVIS DRAW |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
9 |
Hydraulic Height |
21 |
Nid Storage |
127 |
Structural Height |
26 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
26 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Powder River At Arvada
|
156cfs |
Wild Horse Creek Near Arvada
|
0cfs |
Clear Creek Near Arvada
|
256cfs |
Powder River At Moorhead Mt
|
60cfs |
Piney Creek At Kearny
|
113cfs |
Prairie Dog Creek Near Acme
|
19cfs |
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.
Oil Well Stock