News Release Archive

Reclamation Announces Expected Releases for Gray Reef Reservoir

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

For Release: April 25, 2017

MILLS, Wyo. -- Releases from Gray Reef Reservoir to the North Platte River are currently at 2,000 cubic feet per second (cfs). Based on current operation projections, Gray Reef releases will increase but are not expected to exceed flows of 4,000 cfs during the months of May, June, and, July.

The current release from Seminoe Reservoir through the Miracle Mile is 3,200 cfs. Seminoe and Pathfinder reservoir levels are being managed to prepare for runoff. Releases from Pathfinder Reservoir greater than approximately 5,000 cfs require the operation of the spillway. However, based on our current operation projections, this magnitude of flow will not be required and Pathfinder Dam is not expected to spill this spring.

"Steps are being taken to make room for the snowmelt runoff that is expected to come into the Bureau of Reclamation's North Platte Reservoirs over the next few weeks," said Wyoming Area Manager, Carlie Ronca. "Moving water downstream below Gray Reef Reservoir now will reduce the peak of downstream flows that would be experienced otherwise."

Conditions can change rapidly during runoff and Reclamation is coordinating with other Federal, state, and local officials regarding reservoir levels and river flows.

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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