Reclamation cautions public as it plans annual lowering of Guernsey Reservoir

MILLS, Wyo.- The Bureau of Reclamation will start lowering the water level at Guernsey Reservoir on Sep. 9 as the irrigation season draws to a close.

"Boaters, recreationists, and irrigators should take proper precautions regarding changing river flows below Glendo and Guernsey Reservoirs and the changing elevations of Guernsey and Glendo," said Wyoming Area Manager, Lyle Myler.

Reclamation lowers Guernsey Reservoir at the end of each irrigation season as irrigation deliveries are discontinued. To avoid potential problems associated with declining reservoir levels, Reclamation advises that watercraft be removed from the reservoir while the boat ramps remain usable.

• Labor Day weekend: Glendo Reservoir elevation expected to be near 4,592 feet. Note: Marina, Reno Cove, and Whiskey Gulch boat ramps will be useable.
• Sep. 9: Outflows from Glendo Reservoir will be decreased.
• Sep. 15: Glendo Reservoir will decline to an elevation of near 4,584 feet.
• Marina, Reno Cove, and Whiskey Gulch boat ramps will be useable, but navigation around the Marina Docks may be difficult.
• End of Sep.: Outflows will gradually shut down to 25 cfs low flow.
• Winter: Glendo Reservoir levels will gradually increase while capturing natural inflows and releases from Gray Reef Reservoir.

Guernsey Reservoir is the furthest downstream reservoir in the system of Federal storage reservoirs on the main stem of the North Platte River. During the irrigation season, water released from Guernsey Reservoir serves irrigation development in eastern Wyoming and western Nebraska and produces hydropower.