Upper Van Tassell, also known as North Crow Reservoir, is a local government-owned dam located in Laramie, Wyoming, near the city of Cheyenne.
Wind
Humidity
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 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Curt Gowdy State Park
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Pole Creek Dispersed Campground
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Yellow Pine
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Yellow Pine Campground
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Vedauwoo Campground
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Vedauwoo
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