WYOMING RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: February 21, 2026

The state of Wyoming's dams and reservoirs is experiencing a mix of conditions, with some sites reporting below-average storage levels for the date of the last observation on February 21, 2026. The Big Sandy Reservoir near Farson is slightly below its average lake surface elevation of 6748.15 feet, currently at 6746 feet. Fontenelle Reservoir's storage is significantly lower than its average of 204,765.91 acre-feet, with current levels at 158,676 acre-feet. Similarly, the Big Sandy Reservoir's storage stands at 17,327 acre-feet, falling short of its average of 20,165.53 acre-feet. Meeks Cabin Reservoir is also well below its average storage capacity of 13,970.58 acre-feet, recording a current level of 6,908 acre-feet. The Eden Reservoir is experiencing the most considerable deficit, with its storage at 2,055 acre-feet, starkly lower than its average of 5,367.77 acre-feet.

The abnormal storage levels in these Wyoming reservoirs may be attributed to factors such as reduced snowpack levels, lower river flows, or increased water demand and usage. With no additional source data provided, it is difficult to pinpoint the exact causes. Nevertheless, the reduced levels at Fontenelle and Meeks Cabin Reservoirs are notable and could impact water availability for irrigation and other uses if the trend continues. The Eden Reservoir is of particular concern due to its severely low storage level, which may indicate a critical water shortage for its dependent ecosystems and communities. It is essential to continuously monitor these conditions and investigate contributing factors such as precipitation patterns, water management practices, and climate change impacts, to implement necessary mitigation strategies and ensure sustainable water resource management in Wyoming.

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.