Orchard
Orchard is an earth dam located in Washakie County, Wyoming, built in 1941. It carries a Low hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Orchard
The primary purpose of Orchard is irrigation. The dam stores and diverts water for agricultural irrigation, supporting farming operations in the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Orchard Ranch, Ltd. (private). It impounds the Nowood River near Tensleep.
The dam stands 42 feet tall and stretches 510 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 22 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 348 acre-feet. Completed in 1941, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.
This dam has a low hazard potential classification, meaning that failure would cause minimal damage, limited primarily to the dam owner's property, with no expected 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 07/12/2023.
At 42 feet, this dam is taller than 89% of dams nationwide.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Wyoming |
| County | Washakie |
| Nearest City | Tensleep |
| River/Stream | Nowood River |
| Coordinates | 43.55222, -107.49528 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 42 ft |
| Dam Height | 42 ft |
| Dam Length | 510 ft |
| Year Completed | 1941 (85 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 348 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 348 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 224 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 22 acres |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Irrigation |
| Owner | ORCHARD RANCH, LTD. |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Low |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 07/12/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | WY01061 |
| Federal ID | WY01061 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |