SWEETWATER COUNTY, Wyo. — Water levels are currently above average at Flaming Gorge Reservoir, and Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) is warning campers to not park vehicles too close to the shoreline.
According to a press release from SCSO, water levels are currently up nearly nine feet compared to this time last year.
A high amount of mountain snowmelt runoff, increased outflows upstream from Fontenelle Reservoir and decreased outflows at the Gorge itself have raised water levels nearly three feet during the first fourteen days of June, says SCSO.
According to the Flaming Gorge Reservoir water database, current flow rates from the water sources that flow into Flaming Gorge are 141.53% above the average flow. Flaming Gorge is currently 18.24 feet above the all-time low.
“Obviously, if the water gets too high and you’re parked too close to the shoreline, at the very least, you’re risking water damage to your camper or other property,” Sheriff’s Office Spokesperson Jason Mower said. “We just want people to be aware and be smart about the rising water levels.”
Dispersed camping regulations on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Wyoming land allow for a 14-day occupancy limit within 28 days. After 14 days, campers must move outside of a five-mile radius from the previous camp.
Up-to-date water level data for Flaming Gorge is available here.
