Railroader Reservoir Report
Nearby: Double Wide Gorman No. 2
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Railroader is a private irrigation dam located in Sheridan, Wyoming, specifically in the Binnie Draw river basin.
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Summary
Constructed in 2005 by designer Hugh Lowham, this earth dam stands at 34 feet high with a hydraulic height of 29 feet and a structural height of 40 feet. With a storage capacity of 43 acre-feet, Railroader serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and irrigation over its 583-foot length.
Despite being classified as a low hazard potential structure with fair condition assessment, Railroader undergoes regular inspections every five years to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 50 feet and is equipped with a single valve outlet gate. With a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, Railroader's risk management measures and emergency action plans are not readily available, indicating room for improvement in emergency preparedness and response.
Climate and water resource enthusiasts will appreciate Railroader's role in supporting agriculture and water management in the region, as well as the opportunity for ongoing monitoring and improvement to enhance its resilience to potential hazards and emergencies. Its location on an unnamed ranch in Wyoming adds to the intrigue of this vital infrastructure project that contributes to the sustainable use of water resources in the area.
Year Completed |
2005 |
Dam Length |
583 |
Dam Height |
34 |
River Or Stream |
BINNIE DRAW |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2.5 |
Hydraulic Height |
29 |
Drainage Area |
0.06 |
Nid Storage |
43 |
Structural Height |
40 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
40 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Prairie Dog Creek Near Acme
|
19cfs |
Goose Creek Near Acme
|
123cfs |
Tongue River At State Line Nr Decker Mt
|
173cfs |
Tongue River At Monarch
|
383cfs |
Tongue River At Tongue R Dam Nr Decker Mt
|
118cfs |
Tongue River Near Dayton
|
48cfs |
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.
Railroader