Bureau of Reclamation News: Wyoming Area Reservoir Conditions

Great Plains Region
Billings, Mont.

Media Contact:

Lyle D. Myler
(307) 261-5676

Released On: February 06, 2012

Wyoming Area Reservoir Conditions - North Platte River Basin

The Wyoming Area Office of the Bureau of Reclamation in Mills, Wyo., has prepared snowmelt runoff forecasts for the North Platte River Basin, according to Tom Sawatzke, Acting Wyoming Area Manager. The Feb. 1 forecast indicates the spring snowmelt runoff for the North Platte Basin will be below average.

Total April through July runoff in the North Platte Basin above Glendo Dam is expected to be 745,000 acre feet (af) or 77% of the 30 year average of 967,700 af. Approximately 500,000 af (65% of average) of the runoff is expected to enter Seminoe Reservoir with an additional 60,000 af (98% of average) being provided to Pathfinder Reservoir from the Sweetwater River, and the balance of 185,000 af (135% of average) coming from the basin between Pathfinder Reservoir and Glendo Reservoir.

The total storage for the North Platte Reservoir System as of January 31, 2012 is 2,194,934 af, which is 139% of the 30-year average of 1,576,700 af. The total conservation storage capacity of the North Platte Reservoir System is approximately 2,841,000 af.

Due to above average forecasted inflow between Pathfinder and Glendo Reservoirs and the above average Glendo Reservoir Storage (122% of the 30 year average), releases from Guernsey Reservoir are anticipated to be initiated in early April this year.

Reclamation will update the inflow forecasts again in March, April, and May.

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Reclamation is the largest wholesale water supplier and the second largest producer of hydroelectric power in the United States, with operations and facilities in the 17 Western States. Its facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation, and fish and wildlife benefits. Visit our website at www.usbr.gov.

Relevant Links:

Wyoming Area Office Home Page