Box Elder Draw Stock Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Box Elder Draw Stock, located in Sheridan, Wyoming, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1988 primarily used for fire protection, stock watering, and as a small fish pond.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 20 feet with a hydraulic height of 15 feet and a length of 365 feet. The reservoir has a storage capacity of 88 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 16 acres, serving a drainage area of 0.5 square miles.

Despite its low hazard potential, Box Elder Draw Stock is currently in poor condition as assessed during the last inspection in September 2019. The dam lacks outlet gates and relies on an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 95 feet to manage excess water. With a moderate risk rating of 3, there is a need for improved risk management measures to ensure the safety and stability of the structure. The dam is under the jurisdiction of the state regulatory agency and is subject to regular inspections and enforcement.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Box Elder Draw Stock presents an interesting case study of a small-scale dam with multiple purposes in a semi-arid region. The dam's association with the Box Elder Draw stream highlights the importance of water management for both agricultural and environmental needs. As discussions around dam safety and maintenance continue, the condition of Box Elder Draw Stock serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in managing water resources in the face of changing climate patterns and increasing demands.

Year Completed

1988

Dam Length

365

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

BOX ELDER DRAW

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

16

Hydraulic Height

15

Drainage Area

0.5

Nid Storage

88

Structural Height

20

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

20
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.