We just received an update from the Bureau of Reclamation about or expected water flows this summer. For those of your reading this remember fish love water!!!
Reclamation Expects High Water Levels in the North Platte River System This Summer
MILLS, Wyo. – The Bureau of Reclamation expects higher than normal flows and reservoir levels on the North Platte River System this summer. This is due to recent widespread precipitation, coupled with above average snowpack and already well above average water levels in the reservoirs.
“Steps are being taken to make room for the snowmelt runoff that is expected to come into Seminoe and Pathfinder Reservoirs over the next few weeks,” said Wyoming Area Manager, Carlie Ronca. “Moving water downstream now will reduce the peak of downstream flows that would be experienced otherwise. Reclamation is coordinating with other Federal, state, and local officials regarding reservoir levels and river flows.”
Spillways and outlet works will be operated as necessary at all of the Reclamation dams along the North Platte River. The public should be aware of the changing river flows and reservoir levels and take proper precautions.
The release from Seminoe Dam through the Miracle Mile has been increased to approximately 4,000 cfs (cubic feet per second) and may approach 7,000 cfs by early June. The current release below Pathfinder Dam is approximately 2,500 cfs and is likely to increase to over 5,000 cfs by the end of May and 7,000 cfs by mid-June. The current release from Gray Reef Dam is approximately 2,500 cfs and is expected to increase to 5,000 cfs by the end of May and near 7,000 cfs by mid-June. As a comparison, the Gray Reef Dam releases from the most recent high water year in 2011 were about 8,000 cfs.
Glendo Reservoir has risen to approximately 4 feet into the exclusive flood control. The reservoir is expected to remain in the flood pool until late July in an effort to provide downstream flood protection in Wyoming and Nebraska. The Guernsey Reservoir release is currently 4,000 cfs and will soon increase to approximately 5,000 cfs. That outflow is projected through the month of May with an increase to 6,000 cfs by mid-June.