Reclamation cautions public ahead of annual drawdown of Alcova Reservoir

MILLS, Wyo. - The Bureau of Reclamation will begin lowering the water level in Alcova Reservoir following the end of the irrigation season. The annual drawdown is scheduled to start on Wednesday, Oct. 1.

"Boat owners and recreationists should be aware of the declining level of Alcova Reservoir and take proper precautions," said Wyoming Area Manager Lyle Myler.

Throughout October, the reservoir's water surface elevation will be lowered by approximately 10 feet, at a rate of about four inches per day. The reservoir's normal winter operating elevation is approximately 5,488 feet. Water released during the drawdown will be stored downstream in Glendo Reservoir.

Alcova Dam is located on the North Platte River, about 35 miles southwest of Casper, Wyoming. The dam creates a reservoir from which water is diverted into the Casper Canal to irrigate farmlands in the Kendrick Project near Casper.

Winter releases from Alcova Reservoir support power generation and transfers storage water to Glendo Reservoir for delivery the following spring and summer. The Alcova Powerplant, located below the dam, houses two 20.7-megawatt generating units.