News Release Archive

Reclamation Lowers Guernsey Reservoir in Preparation for Annual Silt Run

Media Contact: Mahonri Williams, (307) 261-5624, 06/19/2018 00:00

For Release: June 19, 2018

MILLS, Wyoming -- The Wyoming Area Office of the Bureau of Reclamation in Mills, Wyoming will be lowering the water level in Guernsey Reservoir in preparation for the annual silt run according to Carlie Ronca, 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," Ronca said.

On the evening of July 4, the release of water from Glendo Reservoir will be decreased from approximately 5,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) to a flow of approximately 3,000 cfs. The decreased flow will cause a rapid decline of the Guernsey Reservoir level of approximately 25 feet starting the morning of July 5 through July 10. By Monday, July 9, 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 July 11 and is anticipated to continue through July 24. Beginning on the morning of July 25, 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 boating again by the evening of July 29. However, the reservoir will continue to rise by several feet throughout the day and reach the normal reservoir operation level on Monday the 30th.

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.

# # #

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