Oak Creek

Oak Creek is an earth dam located in Crook County, Wyoming, built in 1976. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.

About Oak Creek

The primary purpose of Oak Creek is irrigation. The dam stores and diverts water for agricultural irrigation, supporting farming operations in the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Jensen Ranch (private). It impounds the Alum Creek Or Oak Ckeek near Belle Fourche, Sd.

The dam stands 41 feet tall and stretches 1,600 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 105 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 2,500 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 45 square miles. Completed in 1976, the structure is 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 04/23/2025.

At 41 feet, this dam is taller than 88% of dams nationwide.

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Significant HazardFair ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Not Required

Location

StateWyoming
CountyCrook
Nearest CityBelle Fourche, Sd
River/StreamAlum Creek Or Oak Ckeek
Coordinates44.75210, -104.09910

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height41 ft
Dam Height41 ft
Dam Length1,600 ft
Year Completed1976 (50 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage2,500 acre-ft
Max Storage2,500 acre-ft
Normal Storage915 acre-ft
Surface Area105 acres
Drainage Area45 sq mi
Max Discharge2,019 cfs
Spillway TypeUncontrolled

Ownership & Safety

PurposeIrrigation
OwnerJENSEN RANCH
Owner TypePrivate
Hazard ClassificationSignificant
Condition AssessmentFair
Last Inspection04/23/2025
Emergency Action PlanNot Required

Identifiers

NID IDWY01366
Federal IDWY01366
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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