Crystal Lake

MIDDLE CROW CREEK· Laramie, Wyoming· Built 1922· Concrete· 106 ft tall
High Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Crystal Lake is classified as high hazard in Wyoming. It was completed in 1922 and is 104 years old. Its primary use is water supply. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 106 ft (taller than 98.6% in WY)
Dam Length170 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage4.5K acre-ft
Normal Storage4.1K acre-ft
Surface Area136 acres
Drainage Area40 sq mi
Max Discharge36,812 cfs
Year Completed1922 (104 years old)
Year Modified1987
NID IDWY00002

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: April 26, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: SEO

Ownership

CITY OF CHEYENNE-BOPU

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Crystal Lake?

Crystal Lake is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Crystal Lake?

Crystal Lake is owned by CITY OF CHEYENNE-BOPU (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Crystal Lake built?

Crystal Lake was completed in 1922, making it 104 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Crystal Lake?

Crystal Lake serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Crystal Lake?

Crystal Lake has a dam height of 106 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Crystal Lake last inspected?

Crystal Lake was last inspected on April 26, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.