WYOMING RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: February 1, 2026

Wyoming’s key reservoirs and dams play a critical role in water storage and management, with current conditions showing variability across the state. The Big Sandy Reservoir near Farson is nearly at its average level, marked at 6746 feet above the National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929 (NGVD 1929), just slightly below the average of 6748.16 feet. The Fontenelle Reservoir, however, is experiencing notably lower storage levels, with a current capacity of 169,733 acre-feet compared to its average of 204,803.32 acre-feet. Similarly, the Big Sandy Reservoir is also holding less water than usual at 16,807 acre-feet against a typical average of 20,169.96 acre-feet. Meeks Cabin and Eden Reservoirs are exhibiting more significant discrepancies from their averages, with Meeks Cabin Reservoir at just 6,367 acre-feet compared to its 13,980.41 acre-feet average, and Eden at a mere 2,042 acre-feet, a substantial drop from its average of 5,378.61 acre-feet. These measurements, observed on February 1, 2026, suggest that some of Wyoming’s reservoirs are facing lower-than-average water levels for this time of year.

The abnormal conditions in these reservoirs might be linked to regional water issues discussed in recent reports from Politico and ArizonaMirror.com, which highlight the West’s ongoing water conflict and talks of cautious optimism among Colorado River governors after a significant meeting in Washington. The discrepancies in water levels could be attributed to factors such as reduced snowpack or river flows, both of which are integral to the filling of reservoirs. The Colorado River Basin, which feeds into some of Wyoming's water systems, has been under stress due to what's referred to as aridification, exacerbated by prolonged drought and climate change. The lower storage levels in the Fontenelle and Big Sandy Reservoirs, in particular, may be symptomatic of these broader hydrological challenges. The situation at Meeks Cabin and Eden Reservoirs warrants close monitoring as their current storage levels are considerably low, which could affect local water availability if trends continue. These observations suggest the need for ongoing water management strategies and potential conservation efforts to mitigate the impacts of fluctuating water availability on Wyoming's ecosystems and resources.

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.