Henderson Drain Detention Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Henderson Drain Detention, located in Laramie, Wyoming, is a state-owned earth dam designed by Leno Menghini in 1987 for flood risk reduction along the Henderson Drain tributary of Crow Creek.


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Summary

With a structural height of 10 feet and a length of 1250 feet, this detention structure has a storage capacity of 126 acre-feet and serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 200 feet, and it features a single valve outlet gate.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Henderson Drain Detention is subject to regular state inspection, permitting, and enforcement to ensure its continued safety and functionality. The dam has a drainage area of 3 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 171 cubic feet per second. With a surface area of 26 acres and a normal storage capacity of 101 acre-feet, this detention structure plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks in the region and protecting nearby communities like Cheyenne.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate the strategic location and design elements of Henderson Drain Detention, which highlight the importance of proactive flood risk management. As part of the larger water infrastructure network in Wyoming, this earth dam serves as a vital piece in maintaining the safety and resilience of the region's water resources. With a moderate risk assessment rating and a history of regular inspections, Henderson Drain Detention stands as a testament to effective water resource management practices and the ongoing efforts to safeguard communities from potential flooding events.

Year Completed

1987

Dam Length

1250

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

HENDERSON DRAIN TR. CROW CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

26

Hydraulic Height

9

Drainage Area

3

Nid Storage

126

Structural Height

10

Outlet Gates

Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

10
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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Nearby Streamflow Levels

Henderson Drain DetentionCROW CREEK AT 19TH STREET Preview Crow Creek At 19th Street
3.20cfs
3cfs
Henderson Drain DetentionN FRK CACHE LA POUDRE R BLW HALLIGAN RES NR V DAL Preview N Frk Cache La Poudre R Blw Halligan Res Nr V Dal
0.2cfs
0cfs
Henderson Drain DetentionNORTH FORK CACHE LA POUDRE R. AT LIVERMORE Preview North Fork Cache La Poudre R. At Livermore
3.59cfs
4cfs
Henderson Drain DetentionCACHE LA POUDRE R A MO OF CN Preview Cache La Poudre R A Mo Of Cn
0.00cfs
0cfs
Henderson Drain DetentionCACHE LA POUDRE RIVER AT FORT COLLINS Preview Cache La Poudre River At Fort Collins
42.4cfs
42cfs
Henderson Drain DetentionCACHE LA POUDRE R AB BOXELDER C Preview Cache La Poudre R Ab Boxelder C
8.13cfs
8cfs

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.
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Nearby Reservoirs

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