Heads Up, Boaters: Glendo and Guernsey Reservoirs Dropping After Labor Day

Wyoming State Parks is giving a heads-up to anyone planning a late-summer trip to Glendo or Guernsey: water levels are about to drop fast.

Every year when irrigation season wraps up, the Bureau of Reclamation lowers the reservoirs, and 2025 is no different. The annual drawdown will start right after Labor Day, which means boating and reservoir access could get tricky through September.

“This is a routine event,” said Cassie Wells, superintendent of Guernsey State Park. “We just want visitors to be prepared for the changing water levels — and to remember there’s still plenty to enjoy at both parks.”

Here’s the expected schedule, according to the Bureau of Reclamation:

• Labor Day weekend: Glendo sits near 30% of capacity.
• Sept. 2: Outflows from Glendo drop, lowering Guernsey.
• Sept. 7: Glendo dips even lower, still around 30%.
• End of September: Outflows taper off to a trickle.

Boaters are encouraged to pull watercraft early while ramps are still usable, otherwise you might be stuck high and dry.

Even with lower water, Glendo and Guernsey State Parks will stay open for camping, hiking, biking, and picnicking. If you’re itching to get on the water, nearby spots like Hawk Springs and Gray Rocks Reservoir will still have better boating conditions.

Reservations affected by the drawdown can be changed online at reserve.wyoming.gov or by calling 877-WYO-PARK.

The original story by Nick Perkins for Oil City News.