South Ricketts Flat dam
South Ricketts Flat
South Ricketts Flat is a private irrigation dam located in Johnson, Wyoming, along the Ricketts Flat Creek. Built in 1972, this earth dam stands at a height of 48 feet and has a storage capacity of 359 acre-feet. With a surface area of 20.45 acres and a drainage area of 3.15 square miles, the dam serves multiple purposes including irrigation, fire protection, stock water, and fish and wildlife habitat.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, South Ricketts Flat poses a moderate risk level due to its location and design. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 150 feet and an outlet valve for water release. Regular inspections are conducted, with the last assessment taking place in August 2021, ensuring the safety and functionality of the structure. While no emergency action plan is currently in place, the dam meets state regulatory requirements for permitting, inspection, and enforcement.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate the strategic location of South Ricketts Flat, serving as a vital resource for agricultural irrigation and wildlife conservation in the region. With its historical significance dating back to the early 1970s, this dam continues to play a crucial role in managing water resources and supporting local ecosystems. As efforts continue to enhance its risk management measures and emergency preparedness, South Ricketts Flat stands as a testament to sustainable water management practices in Wyoming.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around South Ricketts Flat -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Powder River At Sussex | 144 cfs | → |
| Clear Creek Near Buffalo | 33 cfs | → |
| Nf Powder River Below Pass Creek | 50 cfs | → |
| Wild Horse Creek Near Arvada | 0 cfs | → |
| Powder River At Arvada | 69 cfs | → |
| Rock Creek Near Buffalo | 70 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near South Ricketts Flat.
Fishing spots
More reservoirs
Track South Ricketts Flat in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About South Ricketts Flat
Where does the data for South Ricketts Flat come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of South Ricketts Flat.