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News Release Archive
Wyoming Area Reservoir Conditions - North Platte River Basin
Media Contact:
John Lawson, 307-261-5671, 06/16/2010 21:33
For Release: June 16, 2010
CASPER, Wyo. - The Wyoming Area Office of the Bureau of Reclamation in Mills, Wyo., is advising that due to continued snowmelt runoff and recent rainfall events, all North Platte Reservoirs are at or near capacity this year.
"Reclamation is coordinating with State, County and local officials regarding reservoir levels and river flows." said John H. Lawson, Wyoming Area Manager
The inflows into Seminoe Reservoir reached a record high of 19,376 cubic feet per second (cfs) on June 15, 2010, before starting to decline. Since June 12, the Seminoe Reservoir inflows exceeded the previous recorded inflow of 17,099 cfs set in 1983. The cumulative inflows into Seminoe Reservoir are the highest of record for the first half of June. Releases from Seminoe reservoir into the North Platte River through the Miracle Mile Area exceeded 15,000 cfs on June 14, before being reduced.
With the increased inflow into Pathfinder Reservoir, flows over the uncontrolled spillway at Pathfinder Dam began on June 15. Releases over the Pathfinder spillway on the morning of June 16 were approximately 1, 200 cfs. Releases over the Pathfinder spillway will continue to increase and are expected to peak around June 21. Releases from the spillway are expected to continue through the first half of July.
Releases from Gray Reef Dam on June 16 were 6,000 cfs and are expected to be increased to 6,500 cfs by June 18.
Glendo Reservoir remains in the exclusive flood control pool and is expected to rise approximately 6 more feet, exceeding an elevation of 4649 feet of water by late June before starting to decline. The reservoir is anticipated to remain in the flood control pool until late July. Releases from Glendo Reservoir will be as directed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in collaboration with the Bureau of Reclamation while in the flood control pool.
The release from Guernsey Reservoir is currently 2,600 cfs. Based on the current forecast, as downstream flows diminish, the releases from Glendo and Guernsey Reservoirs are expected to be gradually increased to 6,700 cfs in early July.
Reservoir releases will be adjusted as necessary in response to changing weather and inflow conditions in the basin. The above reservoir release information is subject to change. The Bureau of Reclamation continues to providing county emergency management entities updated information regarding reservoir operations.
The Bureau of Reclamation is advising the public to use caution with regard to rising reservoir levels, changing reservoir releases, and river flow conditions at this time.
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