Pathfinder Dam

Pathfinder Dam Quick Facts

Location: Natrona, Wyoming
Coordinates: 42.468, -106.8538
River: North Platte River
Primary Purpose: Hydroelectric
Type: Masonry Arch
Commissioned: 1909
Dam Height: 214 ft (65 m)
Dam Length: 432 ft (132 m)
Dam Capacity: 1,016,500 acre-ft (1,253,832 Ml)
Condition Assessment: Not Available
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Pathfinder Dam Map

Pathfinder Dam Information

Pathfinder Dam is a masonry arch dam located about 45 miles from Casper, Natrona, Wyoming.

The dam, which is on the North Platte River, was primarily built for Hydroelectric purposes, but also serves for Irrigation benefits.

The dam was designed by and commissioned in 1909 and is currently owned by US Bureau of Reclamation.

Pathfinder Dam Structure

The Pathfinder Dam is approximately 432 feet (132 m) long, 214 feet (65 m) high and has a structural volume of 65,700 cubic yards (50,231 cubic metres).

Pathfinder Dam Storage Capacity & Surface Area

The reservoir has a normal storage capacity of 1,016,500 acre-ft (1,253,832 Ml) and maximum capacity of 1,016,500 acre-ft (1,253,832 Ml).

The surface area of the reservoir is 22,014 acres (8,909 ha) and the total catchment area is 14,600 square miles (37,814 square kilometres).

Pathfinder Dam Spillway

The dam has a 770 feet (235 m) wide uncontrolled spillway with a maximum discharge capacity of 50310 cubic feet per second (1425 cubic metres per second).

Pathfinder Dam Compared to Five Famous American Dams

Height (ft)
Length (Ft)
Storage Volume (acre-ft)
Drainage Area (sq miles)
 
Pathfinder Dam
Natrona, Wyoming
Height (ft)
214
Length (Ft)
432
Storage Volume (acre-ft)
1,016,500
Drainage Area (sq miles)
14,600
Hoover Dam
Clark County, Nevada
Height (ft)
730
Length (Ft)
1,244
Storage Volume (acre-ft)
30,237,000
Drainage Area (sq miles)
167,800
Grand Coulee Dam
Okanogan County, Washington
Height (ft)
550
Length (Ft)
5,673
Storage Volume (acre-ft)
9,562,0000
Drainage Area (sq miles)
74,100
Theodore Roosevelt Dam
Maricopa County, Arizona
Height (ft)
357
Length (Ft)
1,208
Storage Volume (acre-ft)
3,411,500
Drainage Area (sq miles)
5,736
Oroville Dam
Butte County, California
Height (ft)
235
Length (Ft)
6,920
Storage Volume (acre-ft)
3,540,000
Drainage Area (sq miles)
3,611
Glen Canyon Dam
Coconino County, Arizona
Height (ft)
216
Length (Ft)
1,565
Storage Volume (acre-ft)
29,875,000
Drainage Area (sq miles)
108,355

Pathfinder Dam Weather

Current Conditions at Pathfinder Dam

Failed to fetch current weather data.

7-Day Forecast for Pathfinder Dam

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Pathfinder Dam Frequently Asked Questions

In which state is the Pathfinder Dam?

Pathfinder Dam is in Wyoming.

In which county is the Pathfinder Dam?

Pathfinder Dam is in Natrona County.

How high is the Pathfinder Dam?

Pathfinder Dam is 214 feet high.

How long is the Pathfinder Dam?

Pathfinder Dam is 432 feet long.

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More Dams in Natrona County:

Alcova Dam
Bates Creek Dam
Johnson No. 1 Dam
Pathfinder Dam

Condition Assessment Classification

Satisfactory

No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.

Fair

No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum

Poor

A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.

Unsatisfactory

A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.

Not Rated

The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.

Not Available

Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High

Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.

Significant

Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.

Low

Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner’s property.

Undetermined

Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.

Not Available

Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.

Source: National Inventory of Dams

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