News Release Archive

Guernsey Reservoir Silt Run, Updated

Media Contact: Carlie Ronca, (307) 261-5671, cronca@usbr.gov

For Release: July 07, 2015

MILLS, Wyo. -- At the request of Goshen, Gering-Fort Laramie, and Pathfinder Irrigation Districts, the Guernsey Reservoir Silt Run is being delayed six days from the previous schedule. The delay is in response to some areas receiving up to 3" of rainfall on July 6, requiring the districts to reduce diversion rates from the North Platte River. The Wyoming Area Office of the Bureau of Reclamation in Mills, Wyo., will delay lowering the water level in Guernsey Reservoir in preparation for the annual silt run until July 13. "The silt run provides silt-laden water to Goshen, Gering-Fort Laramie, and Pathfinder Irrigation Districts under contract with Reclamation. The silt lines the canals and laterals, reducing water seepage and increasing bank stabilization," according to Carlie Ronca, Wyoming Area Manager.

In preparation for the silt run, on the afternoon of July 13, the release of water from Glendo Reservoir will be decreased from about 3,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) to a flow of approximately 1,000 cfs. The decreased flow will cause a rapid decline of the Guernsey Reservoir level of approximately 22 feet starting the night of July 13 through July 19. The boat ramps at Guernsey Reservoir will no longer be useable due to the low reservoir level by Thursday, July 16. 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 July 20 and is anticipated to continue through August 2. Beginning on August 2, the release of water from Glendo Reservoir will be rapidly increased to refill Guernsey Reservoir. The level of Guernsey Reservoir is expected to be suitable for recreation again by the afternoon of August 5.

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