MILLS, Wyo.— The Bureau of Reclamation’s Wyoming Area Office will temporarily lower the water level in Guernsey Reservoir from July 6 to July 27 as part of the annual silt run — a scheduled operation that delivers silt-laden water to the Goshen, Gering-Fort Laramie, and Pathfinder irrigation districts. This practice helps reduce seepage in irrigation canals by allowing silt to settle and form a temporary seal along canal bottoms and sides.
Key Dates and Timeline
- Sunday, July 6 – Flow Reduction Begins
At noon, releases from Glendo Reservoir will gradually decrease from approximately 5,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) to between 1,500 cfs and 500 cfs. This reduction will trigger a rapid drop in the Guernsey Reservoir water level — by as much as 25 feet — starting that evening. - Wednesday, July 9 – Boat Ramps Unusable
Due to the significant drop in water level, boat ramps at Guernsey Reservoir are expected to become unusable by July 9. Visitors should plan accordingly and exercise caution around the reservoir. Water released from Glendo Reservoir will flow through Guernsey, flushing silt into downstream irrigation canals. - Friday, July 11 – Silt Run Begins
Water released from Glendo Reservoir will continue flowing through Guernsey, flushing silt into the canals of downstream irrigators. The silt run officially begins July 11 and is expected to continue through July 24. - Thursday, July 24 – Reservoir Refill Starts
At noon, water releases from Glendo Reservoir will increase rapidly to begin refilling Guernsey Reservoir. Boating conditions should begin improving shortly thereafter. - Sunday, July 27 – Reservoir Reopens for Boating
Water levels at Guernsey Reservoir are anticipated to be suitable for boating again by the morning of July 27. The reservoir will continue to rise by approximately 3 feet per day and is expected to reach the normal reservoir operation level by July 29.
Additional Background
Guernsey Reservoir is the furthest downstream facility in the system of federal storage reservoirs on the main stem of the North Platte River. During the irrigation season, releases from Guernsey Reservoir support agricultural development in eastern Wyoming and western Nebraska and also provide hydropower generation.
Public Safety Notice
Boaters, recreationists and irrigators are advised to take proper precautions in response to changing river flows below Glendo and Guernsey Reservoirs, as well as the rapid lowering and refilling of Guernsey Reservoir during this period.
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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.
