Houston Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Houston is a private water resource located in Crook, Wyoming, along the Houston Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1966 for recreational purposes, this earth dam stands at 22 feet tall and spans 510 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 55 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is rated as poor, indicating a need for maintenance and inspection.

The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 94 feet and is primarily used for fire protection, stock, and recreation. While the risk assessment indicates a moderate level of risk, the dam has not been modified in recent years and lacks emergency action plans. With a designated inspection frequency of every 5 years, there remains room for improvement in terms of the dam's safety and preparedness for potential emergencies.

Located in Congressional District 00 of Wyoming, Houston dam is under state jurisdiction and regulation, with permitting, inspection, and enforcement conducted by the State Engineer's Office. As a key infrastructure for the region, efforts to enhance its condition and emergency response capabilities are crucial for ensuring the safety and sustainability of the water resource for both recreation and local water needs.

Year Completed

1966

Dam Length

510

Dam Height

22

River Or Stream

HOUSTON CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8

Hydraulic Height

17

Nid Storage

55

Structural Height

22

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 0

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

22
       
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.