CHEYENNE, Wyo. – May 28, 2026 – Wyoming State Parks is advising visitors to prepare for lower-than-normal water levels this summer at several Wyoming reservoir parks, including Seminoe, Glendo, and Guernsey State Parks, due to ongoing drought conditions and below-average snowpack across the North Platte River Basin.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s May runoff forecast, spring runoff in the Upper North Platte Basin above Glendo Reservoir is expected to be significantly below average this year. The Upper North Platte Basin is currently experiencing extreme drought conditions, with April through July runoff projected to reach only about 17% of the 30-year average.
As a result, reservoir levels throughout the North Platte system are expected to remain below historical levels throughout the summer recreation season. Glendo and Guernsey reservoirs are not anticipated to fill as early or as high as normal, and water levels are expected to decline sooner in late summer. Seminoe Reservoir is also expected to remain below historical levels.
Despite lower water levels, Seminoe, Glendo, and Guernsey State Parks will remain open for visitation and recreation throughout the summer season. Visitors can continue to enjoy camping, fishing, boating, hiking, wildlife viewing, and other outdoor recreation opportunities, though some facilities, boat ramps, or shoreline conditions may be impacted as water levels change throughout the season.
Visitors planning water-based recreation activities are encouraged to use caution, be aware of changing conditions, and check current reservoir and boat ramp conditions before traveling.
“While water levels may look different this year, these parks continue to offer excellent recreational opportunities for visitors across the state,” said Mark Caughlan, chief ranger of Wyoming State Parks. “We encourage visitors to plan ahead, recreate safely, and enjoy everything Wyoming State Parks have to offer this summer.”
For current and timely information on reservoir storage, inflow, outflow, percentage full, cubic feet per second (CFS), and more, visit the Bureau of Reclamation Wyoming Lakes and Reservoirs page at Bit.ly/WyoReservoirData.
The Bureau of Reclamation operates seven reservoirs on the North Platte River system, which provide irrigation water, hydroelectric power generation, flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits across the region.
Learn more about Wyoming State Parks and recreation opportunities at wyoparks.wyo.gov and follow official Wyoming State Parks social media channels for updates.
Contacts:
Mark Caughlan, (307) 214-9818; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Steve Horn, (307) 370-0573; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Greg Deveraux, (307) 670-3513; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
