Cedar Draw Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Sheridan, Wyoming, Cedar Draw is a privately owned earth dam completed in 2004 for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 33 feet and has a hydraulic height of 26 feet, with a storage capacity of 84 acre-feet. With a surface area of 5.4 acres and a drainage area of 1.76 square miles, Cedar Draw serves as a vital resource for fire protection, stock, small fish ponds, and irrigation needs in the area.

Managed by the Wyoming State Permitting, Inspection, and Enforcement agencies, Cedar Draw has been assessed as having a low hazard potential and fair condition as of the last inspection in May 2021. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway, a valve outlet, and a spillway width of 175 feet. With Liz Cheney (R) representing Congressional District 00, Wyoming, Cedar Draw plays a crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.

Despite moderate risk assessments, Cedar Draw serves as a key infrastructure for water storage and distribution in the area. With its strategic location on Cedar Draw river, the dam not only supports agricultural activities but also contributes to the overall ecosystem health and sustainability. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, keeping a close eye on Cedar Draw's condition and performance is essential for maintaining a reliable water supply and adapting to changing climate conditions in the region.

Year Completed

2004

Dam Length

215

Dam Height

33

River Or Stream

CEDAR DRAW

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5.4

Hydraulic Height

26

Drainage Area

1.76

Nid Storage

84

Structural Height

33

Outlet Gates

Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

33
       
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.