News Release Archive

Guernsey Reservoir Silt Run

Media Contact: John H. Lawson, (307) 261-5671, jlawson@gp.usbr.gov
Mark Andersen, mandersen@gp.usbr.gov

For Release: June 26, 2008

The Wyoming Area Office of the Bureau of Reclamation in Mills, Wyoming, will be lowering the water level in Guernsey Reservoir in preparation for the annual silt run according to John H. Lawson, Wyoming Area Manager. The silt run is an operation which provides silt-laden water to Goshen, Gering-Fort Laramie, and Pathfinder Irrigation Districts under contract with Reclamation.

On July 6, 2008, the release of water from Glendo Reservoir will be decreased from approximately 5,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) to a flow of approximately 2,000 cfs. The decreased flow will cause a rapid decline of the Guernsey Reservoir level of approximately 25 feet during the period of July 7th through July 10th. By Monday afternoon, July 7, 2008, the boat ramps at Guernsey Reservoir will no longer be useable due to the low reservoir level. Water being released from Glendo Reservoir will flow through Guernsey Reservoir, flushing silt from Guernsey Reservoir into the canals of downstream irrigators. The silt run will begin the evening of July 10th and is anticipated to continue through July 24th. Beginning on July 25th, the release of water from Glendo Reservoir will be rapidly increased to refill Guernsey Reservoir. The boat ramps at Guernsey Reservoir will be fully available by July 30, 2008.

Boaters, recreationists, and irrigators should take proper precautions regarding changing river flows between Glendo and Guernsey Reservoirs and the rapid lowering and refilling of Guernsey Reservoir.

# # #

The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.

Relevant Link:

Wyoming Area Office Home Page