French

MORRIS DRAW· Crook, Wyoming· Built 1953· Earth· 37 ft tall
Significant Hazard Irrigation Private

Key Takeaway

French is classified as significant hazard in Wyoming. It was completed in 1953 and is 73 years old. Its primary use is irrigation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 37 ft (taller than 83.1% in WY)
Dam Length264 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage68 acre-ft
Normal Storage37 acre-ft
Surface Area5 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge1,767 cfs
Year Completed1953 (73 years old)
NID IDWY01035

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: July 1, 2019
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: SEO

Ownership

RAUTH RANCHES, INC.

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of French?

French is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates French?

French is owned by RAUTH RANCHES, INC. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was French built?

French was completed in 1953, making it 73 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of French?

French serves the following purposes: Irrigation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is French?

French has a dam height of 37 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was French last inspected?

French was last inspected on July 1, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.