Upper Van Tassell Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Upper Van Tassell, also known as North Crow Reservoir, is a local government-owned dam located in Laramie, Wyoming, near the city of Cheyenne.


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Summary

Built in 1932, this earth dam stands at a height of 95 feet and serves the primary purpose of water supply, with a storage capacity of 3,816 acre-feet. The dam spans 680 feet in length and has a spillway width of 40 feet, allowing for a maximum discharge of 21,400 cubic feet per second from the North Crow Creek.

Despite being regulated by the Wyoming State Engineer's Office and regularly inspected, Upper Van Tassell poses a high hazard potential due to its location and the volume of water it holds. The dam's condition was assessed as fair during the last inspection in June 2017, with a moderate risk assessment rating of 3. Emergency action plans are in place, but updates to contact information and guidelines adherence are lacking. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can marvel at the engineering and management challenges involved in maintaining this critical water supply infrastructure in a region prone to extreme weather events.

Year Completed

1932

Dam Length

680

Dam Height

95

River Or Stream

NORTH CROW CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

94

Hydraulic Height

77

Drainage Area

18.7

Nid Storage

3816

Structural Height

98

Outlet Gates

Valve - 3

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

98
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

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.