Quinn No. 1

Quinn No. 1 is an earth dam located in Niobrara County, Wyoming, built in 1959. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.

About Quinn No. 1

The primary purpose of Quinn No. 1 is irrigation. The dam stores and diverts water for agricultural irrigation, supporting farming operations in the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Ronald P. Smith (private). It impounds the Quinn Creek near Lusk.

The dam stands 30 feet tall and stretches 533 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 16 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 238 acre-feet. Completed in 1959, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.

This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. Its condition is rated fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. The most recent inspection on record was 06/19/2024.

Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.

Significant HazardFair ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Not Required

Location

StateWyoming
CountyNiobrara
Nearest CityLusk
River/StreamQuinn Creek
Coordinates42.76740, -104.51170

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height30 ft
Dam Height30 ft
Dam Length533 ft
Year Completed1959 (67 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage238 acre-ft
Max Storage238 acre-ft
Normal Storage143 acre-ft
Surface Area16 acres
Spillway TypeUncontrolled

Ownership & Safety

PurposeIrrigation
OwnerRONALD P. SMITH
Owner TypePrivate
Hazard ClassificationSignificant
Condition AssessmentFair
Last Inspection06/19/2024
Emergency Action PlanNot Required

Identifiers

NID IDWY00310
Federal IDWY00310
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

Nearby Dams