Lake Desmet (North Dam)
Key Takeaway
Lake Desmet (North Dam) is classified as high hazard in Wyoming. It was completed in 1975 and is 51 years old. Its primary use is water supply. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 80 ft (taller than 97.2% in WY) |
| Dam Length | 4,000 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 235.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 111.8K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 2,653 acres |
| Drainage Area | 41 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 8,520 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1975 (51 years old) |
| NID ID | WY00456 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
JOHNSON COUNTY-LAKE DESMET OPERATING DEPT
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Reynolds Piney Creek Diversion Dam
Johnson, WY
Significant Hazard 22 ftKaufmann
Johnson, WY
Low Hazard 49 ftLake Desmet (A,B,C & Spillway Dikes)
Johnson, WY
High Hazard 80 ftIrene
Johnson, WY
Low Hazard 30 ftLake Desmet (South Dam)
Johnson, WY
High Hazard 80 ftMowry
Johnson, WY
Low Hazard 30 ftTaylor No. 2
Johnson, WY
Significant Hazard 22 ftHuson
Johnson, WY
Low Hazard 30 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Desmet (North Dam)?
Lake Desmet (North Dam) is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Lake Desmet (North Dam)?
Lake Desmet (North Dam) is owned by JOHNSON COUNTY-LAKE DESMET OPERATING DEPT (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Desmet (North Dam) built?
Lake Desmet (North Dam) was completed in 1975, making it 51 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 Lake Desmet (North Dam)?
Lake Desmet (North Dam) serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Lake Desmet (North Dam)?
Lake Desmet (North Dam) has a dam height of 80 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 Lake Desmet (North Dam) last inspected?
Lake Desmet (North Dam) was last inspected on July 19, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.