Knife Edge Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Knife Edge is a Federal-owned dam located in Washakie County, Wyoming, along the Knife Edge Draw river.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at a height of 32 feet and spans 360 feet in length, primarily serving the purpose of water supply. With a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Knife Edge is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the Wyoming State Engineer's Office, ensuring its safety and functionality in providing water resources to the region.
Despite its modest height and moderate risk assessment rating, Knife Edge has a controlled spillway with a width of 60 feet and a storage capacity of 29 acre-feet. The dam's last inspection in June 2018 deemed its condition as fair, highlighting its ongoing maintenance and operational efficiency. With its location in a scenic area of Wyoming and its importance in water resource management, Knife Edge represents a crucial infrastructure piece in sustaining the local ecosystem and climate resilience efforts in the region.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts continue to monitor and engage in the conservation and management of water infrastructure, Knife Edge stands as a testament to responsible dam ownership and regulation. Its role in water supply and risk management underscores the importance of maintaining such structures for the benefit of both human populations and the natural environment, making it a focal point for discussions on sustainable water resource practices and climate adaptation strategies in Wyoming and beyond.
Dam Length |
360 |
Dam Height |
32 |
River Or Stream |
KNIFE EDGE DRAW |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
32 |
Nid Storage |
29 |
Structural Height |
32 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
32 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
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