Upper Van Tassell

NORTH CROW CREEK· Laramie, Wyoming· Built 1932· Earth· 95 ft tall
High Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Upper Van Tassell is classified as high hazard in Wyoming. It was completed in 1932 and is 94 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 95 ft (taller than 98.2% in WY)
Dam Length680 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage3.8K acre-ft
Normal Storage2.7K acre-ft
Surface Area94 acres
Drainage Area19 sq mi
Max Discharge21,400 cfs
Year Completed1932 (94 years old)
NID IDWY00007

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 28, 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 Upper Van Tassell?

Upper Van Tassell 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 Upper Van Tassell?

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

When was Upper Van Tassell built?

Upper Van Tassell was completed in 1932, making it 94 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 Upper Van Tassell?

Upper Van Tassell 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 Upper Van Tassell?

Upper Van Tassell has a dam height of 95 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 Upper Van Tassell last inspected?

Upper Van Tassell was last inspected on April 28, 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.