Pathfinder Dike
Pathfinder Dike is an earth dam located in Natrona County, Wyoming, built in 1911. It carries a High hazard potential classification.
About Pathfinder Dike
The primary purpose of Pathfinder Dike is fish and wildlife pond. The dam creates habitat for fish and wildlife, supporting local ecosystems and potentially serving conservation goals. The dam is owned by Bureau Of Reclamation (federal). It impounds the North Platte River Offstream near Casper.
The dam stands 38 feet tall and stretches 1,650 feet across, and has a maximum storage capacity of 1,016,500 acre-feet. Completed in 1911, the structure is over a century old.
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 06/10/2021.
At 38 feet, this dam is taller than 85% of dams nationwide.
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 | Natrona |
| Nearest City | Casper |
| River/Stream | North Platte River Offstream |
| Coordinates | 42.46480, -106.85260 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 38 ft |
| Dam Height | 24 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,650 ft |
| Year Completed | 1911 (115 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 1,016,500 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 1,016,500 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1,016,500 acre-ft |
| Max Discharge | 50,310 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Fish and Wildlife Pond |
| Owner | BUREAU OF RECLAMATION |
| Owner Type | Federal |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Not Available |
| Last Inspection | 06/10/2021 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | WY01295 |
| Federal ID | WY01296S001 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |