WYOMING RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: December 21, 2025

Wyoming's dams and reservoirs are critical components of the region's water management system, serving multiple purposes including irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, flood control, and recreation. A review of the latest observations reveals a concerning trend of abnormally low storage levels in several key reservoirs as of December 21, 2025, signaling potential stress on water resources. The Big Sandy Reservoir near Farson is slightly below its average water surface elevation, while more pressing declines in storage are noted in the Fontenelle Reservoir, Big Sandy Reservoir, Meeks Cabin Reservoir, and Eden Reservoir, with Fontenelle's current storage at approximately 6.5% below average. Meeks Cabin and Eden Reservoirs are experiencing substantial deficits, operating at only 34.7% and 35.2% of their average storage levels, respectively.

These abnormal conditions are likely related to broader environmental challenges such as reduced snowpack and inconsistent river flows, issues spotlighted in reports from Inside Climate News and AOL.com regarding the precarious state of river systems millions depend on. The combination of diminished snowpack affecting river flows, and the heightened "Particularly Dangerous Situation" for fire weather conditions in the region, suggests a potential feedback loop of drought and wildfire risk that could further deplete water resources. The low storage levels observed in the aforementioned reservoirs may be indicative of wider systemic stresses impacting not only Wyoming's water infrastructure but also the availability of water for agricultural use, wildlife, and urban demands in the foreseeable future. It is imperative for water managers and stakeholders to closely monitor these trends and consider adaptive management strategies to mitigate the impact of these abnormal conditions on water availability and ecosystem health.

Wyoming has numerous reservoirs and dams that play a critical role in supplying water for irrigation, municipal, and industrial purposes. Some of the major reservoirs in the state include Boysen, Flaming Gorge, Glendo, and Pathfinder. These reservoirs rely on streamflow from various sources, including the North Platte, Green, and Snake Rivers. Snowpack and mountain precipitation are vital to the water supply in these areas, with most reservoirs being fed by snowmelt during the spring and summer months. In recent years, Wyoming has experienced drought conditions, which have affected the water levels in its reservoirs. For example, in 2018, the Flaming Gorge Reservoir recorded its lowest level in over 50 years. Seasonal trends also play a role in the hydrology of the area, with water levels typically peaking in early summer and gradually decreasing throughout the fall and winter months. Despite these challenges, Wyoming's reservoirs and dams continue to provide essential water resources for the state's residents and industries.

Wyoming has numerous reservoirs and dams that play a critical role in supplying water for irrigation, municipal, and industrial purposes. Some of the major reservoirs in the state include Boysen, Flaming Gorge, Glendo, and Pathfinder. These reservoirs rely on streamflow from various sources, including the North Platte, Green, and Snake Rivers. Snowpack and mountain precipitation are vital to the water supply in these areas, with most reservoirs being fed by snowmelt during the spring and summer months.
In recent years, Wyoming has experienced drought conditions, which have affected the water levels in its reservoirs. For example, in 2018, the Flaming Gorge Reservoir recorded its lowest level in over 50 years. Seasonal trends also play a role in the hydrology of the area, with water levels typically peaking in early summer and gradually decreasing throughout the fall and winter months. Despite these challenges, Wyoming's reservoirs and dams continue to provide essential water resources for the state's residents and industries.