Smiley Reservoir Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Smiley Reservoir, located in Carbon County, Wyoming, is a privately owned Earth dam that was completed in 2000 for the primary purpose of water supply.


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Summary

The reservoir has a capacity of 132 acre-feet of water and covers an area of 8.9 acres. It is situated along the North Fork Cherokee Creek and is regulated by the Wyoming State Engineer's Office.

Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is rated as poor, indicating a need for maintenance and repairs. The last inspection in September 2020 revealed the dam's structural height to be 43 feet with a hydraulic height of 40 feet. The reservoir's spillway type is uncontrolled with a width of 50 feet, and it has uncontrolled outlet gates.

Climate and water resource enthusiasts may find Smiley Reservoir intriguing due to its location in a scenic area and its importance in supplying water for various purposes. However, concerns about the dam's poor condition and the need for regular inspections and maintenance to ensure its safety and functionality highlight the importance of proper management of water resources and infrastructure in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

2000

Dam Length

424

Dam Height

47

River Or Stream

NORTH FORK CHEROKEE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8.9

Hydraulic Height

40

Drainage Area

3.98

Nid Storage

132

Structural Height

43

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

47
       
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.