Trail Creek Reservoir Report
Nearby: Buffalo Bill Markham
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Trail Creek, located in Park County, Wyoming, is a privately-owned Earth dam constructed in 1952 primarily for irrigation purposes.
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Summary
The dam stands at a height of 27 feet with a hydraulic height of 22 feet, spanning a length of 450 feet and offering a storage capacity of 46 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is rated as poor, indicating a need for maintenance and improvement to ensure its long-term structural integrity.
With a spillway width of 30 feet and an uncontrolled spillway type, Trail Creek Dam is designed to manage potential overflow during periods of high water flow. The dam's inspection frequency is set at 5 years, with the last assessment conducted in May 2018. The risk assessment for the dam is categorized as moderate, signaling a moderate level of potential risk associated with its current condition. As a critical water resource structure in the region, ongoing monitoring and maintenance efforts are essential to mitigate risks and ensure the safety and reliability of Trail Creek Dam for both irrigation and environmental conservation purposes.
In the context of changing climate patterns and increasing water resource demands, the management and upkeep of Trail Creek Dam play a crucial role in sustaining water availability for agricultural use and ecosystem health. With state-regulated oversight and enforcement mechanisms in place, it is imperative for stakeholders to collaborate in implementing effective risk management measures and addressing the identified maintenance needs to safeguard the functionality and resilience of this vital water infrastructure asset in the face of evolving environmental challenges.
Year Completed |
1952 |
Dam Length |
450 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
TRAIL CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4 |
Hydraulic Height |
22 |
Nid Storage |
46 |
Structural Height |
27 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
27 |
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.
Trail Creek
South Fork Shoshone River
North Fork Shoshone River