New Fork Lake

WEST FORK OF NEW FORK RIVER· Sublette, Wyoming· Built 1925· Earth· 37 ft tall
High Hazard Irrigation Private

Key Takeaway

New Fork Lake is classified as high hazard in Wyoming. It was completed in 1925 and is 101 years old. Its primary use is irrigation. 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 37 ft (taller than 83.1% in WY)
Dam Length250 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage25.7K acre-ft
Normal Storage20.3K acre-ft
Surface Area1,416 acres
Drainage Area32 sq mi
Max Discharge2,260 cfs
Year Completed1925 (101 years old)
Year Modified1987
NID IDWY01232

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: August 10, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: SEO

Ownership

NEW FORK LAKE IRRIGATION DISTRICT

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of New Fork Lake?

New Fork Lake 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 New Fork Lake?

New Fork Lake is owned by NEW FORK LAKE IRRIGATION DISTRICT (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was New Fork Lake built?

New Fork Lake was completed in 1925, making it 101 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 New Fork Lake?

New Fork Lake 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 New Fork Lake?

New Fork Lake 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 New Fork Lake last inspected?

New Fork Lake was last inspected on August 10, 2020. 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.