News Release Archive

Guernsey Reservoir Levels

Media Contact: Mahonri Williams, (307) 261-5624, mlwilliams@usbr.gov

For Release: August 24, 2012

The Wyoming Area Office of the Bureau of Reclamation in Mills, Wyo., will be lowering the water level in Guernsey Reservoir as the 2012 irrigation season draws to a close, according to Coleman W. Smith Jr., Wyoming Area Manager.

Beginning on September 3, 2012 and continuing through mid-September, the release of water from Glendo Reservoir will be gradually decreased from over 4,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) to less than 1,000 cfs to lower the water elevation in Guernsey Reservoir. Releases from Glendo Reservoir are expected to continue at a reduced flow rate until near the end of September when they will be discontinued for the winter.

Guernsey Reservoir is expected to remain accessible for boating recreation through the Labor Day weekend of September 1-3. Reclamation will begin drawing down Guernsey Reservoir on the night of Monday, September 3, and the boat ramps will quickly become unusable. To avoid potential problems associated with declining reservoir levels, Reclamation advises that watercraft be removed from the reservoir by the evening of Monday, September 3.

Guernsey Reservoir releases are expected to decrease dramatically around September 10, with the end of some major irrigation demands. However, releases from Guernsey Reservoir are expected to continue at a reduced flow rate until the end of September when they will be discontinued for the winter.

Glendo Reservoir levels are expected to continue gradually declining and reach a water surface elevation near 4581 feet (approximately 105,000 acre-feet) around September 7. Glendo Reservoir levels will then stabilize and slowly increase during the fall and winter.

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

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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