News Release Archive

Guernsey Reservoir Silt Run

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

For Release: August 03, 2011

The Wyoming Area Office of the Bureau of Reclamation in Mills, Wyo., 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. The silt run is being conducted later than normal this year due to high inflows and reservoir conditions.

On August 7, 2011, the release of water from Glendo Reservoir will be decreased from about 7,000 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 August 7 through August 10. By Monday morning, August 8, 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 on August 10 and is anticipated to continue through August 23. Beginning late on August 23, the release of water from Guernsey Reservoir will be rapidly decreased to refill Guernsey Reservoir. The boat ramps at Guernsey Reservoir may not be available until August 28.

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

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Relevant Link:

Wyoming Area Office Home Page