The Guernsey Reservoir water level was recently lowered for the annual silt run.

The Wyoming Area Office of the Bureau of Reclamation in Mills, Wyoming, reduced the water level on July 6 from 5,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) to a flow of approximately 1,500 cfs, which lasted until Jul. 10. The Guernsey Reservoir experienced a rapid decline of approximately 25 feet.

“The silt run is an operation which provides silt-laden water to Goshen, Gering-Fort Laramie, and Pathfinder Irrigation Districts under contract with Reclamation,” Wyoming Area Manager, Carlie Ronca said, according to a Bureau of Reclamation press release. “As the (silt-laden) water gets diverted into irrigation canals, the water slows down and the silt sinks to the bottom of the canal. This works as a type of temporary sealant to help minimize the seepage out of the bottom and sides of the canal.”

The water released from the Glendo Reservoir will flow through the Guernsey Reservoir, removing silt from it and into the canals of the downstream irrigation system.

The silt run started on July 11 and will end on July 24. Following the silt run will commence the refill of the Guernsey Reservoir on the evening of July 24. 

The water levels should be up to par for boating to begin again on July 27. The reservoir will continue to rise approximately six feet a day and is anticipated to reach the normal level by Friday, July 30 in the evening.

"Boaters, recreationists and irrigators should take proper precautions regarding changing river flows below Glendo and Guernsey Reservoirs and the rapid lowering and refilling of Guernsey Reservoir," the press release stated.