Guernsey Dam
Guernsey Dam is an earth dam located in Platte County, Wyoming, built in 1927. It carries a High hazard potential classification.
About Guernsey Dam
The primary purpose of Guernsey Dam is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. The dam is owned by Bureau Of Reclamation (federal). It impounds the North Platte River near Guernsey.
The dam stands 137 feet tall and stretches 560 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 2,380 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 45,612 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 15,847 square miles. Completed in 1927, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 09/14/2022.
At 137 feet, this dam is taller than 99% of all dams in the United States.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Wyoming dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Wyoming |
| County | Platte |
| Nearest City | Guernsey |
| River/Stream | North Platte River |
| Coordinates | 42.29030, -104.76420 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 137 ft |
| Dam Height | 135 ft |
| Dam Length | 560 ft |
| Year Completed | 1927 (99 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 45,612 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 45,612 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 45,612 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 2,380 acres |
| Drainage Area | 15,847 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 12,500 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | BUREAU OF RECLAMATION |
| Owner Type | Federal |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Not Available |
| Last Inspection | 09/14/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | WY01293 |
| Federal ID | WY01293 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |