Mush Creek Reservoir Report
Nearby: Martens 9-368-1 Cummings No 9-328-2
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Mush Creek, located in Edgemont, South Dakota, is a Federal-owned earth dam built in 1940 by USDA NRCS for fire protection, stock, or small fish pond purposes.
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Summary
The dam stands at a height of 16 feet with a hydraulic height of 16 feet and a structural height of 22 feet, serving as a vital water resource for the area. With a storage capacity of 118 acre-feet and a surface area of 18 acres, Mush Creek plays a crucial role in regulating water flow and providing necessary water for various activities in the region.
The dam, with a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, has a drainage area of 19.1 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 2500 cubic feet per second. While the condition assessment is currently not available, the dam is inspected every 5 years to ensure its safety and functionality. Despite being uncontrolled, the spillway width of 20 feet helps manage excess water during heavy rainfall events. Mush Creek dam remains a key infrastructure for water resource management in Weston County, Wyoming, contributing to climate resilience and ensuring water security for the local community.
Although details on emergency action plans and risk management measures are not provided, Mush Creek dam continues to serve its primary purposes effectively. As a Federal-owned structure under the Forest Service, the dam plays a crucial role in regulating water flow, providing water for various activities, and ensuring fire protection in the region. With its historic significance dating back to 1940, Mush Creek dam stands as a testament to the importance of water resource management and climate resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1940 |
Dam Length |
430 |
Dam Height |
16 |
River Or Stream |
Mush Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
18 |
Hydraulic Height |
16 |
Drainage Area |
19.1 |
Nid Storage |
118 |
Structural Height |
22 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
22 |
Seasonal Comparison
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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.
Mush Creek