The reservoir is fed by Roaring Fork Creek, and it holds around 1,500 acre feet of water with a surface elevation of 8,819 ft (2,688 m) (crest of the service spillway).

Numerous trails and campsites are located near the reservoir including Worthen Meadow Campground and trail-heads leading into the Wind River Range.

[3] The reservoir's upstream location 17 mi (27 km) from Lander creates a significant hazard to the city in the event of dam failure.

Townsend Creek is a SNOTEL weather station located roughly halfway between Worthen Meadow Reservoir and Frye Lake at an altitude of 8700 feet (2652 m).

Townsend Creek has a subalpine climate (Köppen Dfc), with long, cold winters and short, mild summers.