WYOMING RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: December 27, 2025

Wyoming's dams and reservoirs play a crucial role in water storage and management, but recent data suggests some are experiencing abnormal conditions. The Big Sandy Reservoir near Farson is currently at 6,745 feet of water surface elevation, just slightly below its average of 6,748.17 feet. On the other hand, significant variances from average storage levels are seen in some larger reservoirs. The Fontenelle Reservoir's storage is notably lower at 190,613 acre-feet compared to its average of 204,840.16 acre-feet. The Big Sandy Reservoir is also under its average storage, showing 15,937 acre-feet against a typical 20,179.33 acre-feet. These discrepancies can be particularly concerning as reservoirs are essential for water supply and ecological balance in the state.

Compounding the storage issues, Meeks Cabin Reservoir and Eden Reservoir depict more drastic reductions in storage, at 5,148 and 1,958 acre-feet respectively, starkly lower than their averages of around 14,000 and 5,398 acre-feet. Such abnormal conditions at this time of year may be linked to broader regional challenges as reported by CBS News, including water use problems impacting the Colorado River Basin, which Wyoming is a part of. This could be due to a combination of factors such as reduced snowpack levels, which contribute to river flows and subsequent reservoir replenishment. The potential for extreme weather events, as highlighted by AOL.com, including high winds and fire threats, could exacerbate water management difficulties, as they can lead to increased evaporation rates and changes in water consumption patterns. These abnormal reservoir conditions necessitate close monitoring and may require adjustments to water management policies to ensure sustainable usage 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.