An Overview of Wyoming's Rivers and Lakes
Largest and Most Famous Water Features
Wyoming is home to several prominent water features. Yellowstone Lake, the largest lake in the state, is situated within Yellowstone National Park and is known for its stunning vistas and fishing opportunities. The Yellowstone River and the Green River are two of the most significant rivers, with the former flowing through the state and the latter starting in the nearby Uinta Mountains. Flaming Gorge Reservoir, a major reservoir on the Green River, is renowned for boating and fishing. Streams like the North Platte River are also well-known for their scenic beauty and recreational use.
Sources of Water
Wyoming's rivers, lakes, and streams are primarily fed by local mountain snowmelt, which influences their seasonal flow. For instance, the Green River, which originates in the Uinta Mountains of Utah, ensures a steady flow into Wyoming. Many reservoirs in the state capture and store water from these rivers for various uses. Additionally, some water bodies may receive contributions from distant sources through interconnected river systems.
Types of Rivers and Waterways
Wyoming features a variety of river types. Major perennial rivers include the North Platte and the Wind River, which have consistent flows throughout the year. Exotic rivers, like the Snake River, offer unique landscapes and recreational opportunities. Tributary rivers, such as the Big Horn River, feed into larger systems, while man-made waterways like irrigation canals help support agriculture. Rapids on rivers like the Snake attract whitewater enthusiasts, and winding rivers such as the Green River provide picturesque scenery.
Types of Lakes
The state hosts various types of lakes. Tectonic lakes like Yellowstone Lake were formed by geological processes, while glacial lakes such as Jenny Lake were created by ancient glaciers. Man-made lakes, including Flaming Gorge Reservoir, were constructed for purposes like hydroelectric power and recreation. Additionally, lakes such as Alcova Reservoir serve agricultural and municipal needs.
Orientation of Rivers
In Wyoming, rivers generally flow from south to north or northwest to southeast, influenced by the state's mountainous terrain. The Green River, for example, flows from the Wind River Range towards Utah, while the North Platte River travels northward through the state. This orientation is typical of many rivers in the region due to the prevailing geological formations.
Origin of Lakes
Many lakes in Wyoming are natural, formed through geological processes such as tectonic activity and glaciation. However, several significant lakes are man-made, including Flaming Gorge Reservoir and Boysen Reservoir, created for purposes like flood control and hydroelectric power. These reservoirs were built by federal and state agencies to meet various water management needs. For example, Flaming Gorge was developed by the Bureau of Reclamation.
Use of Rivers for Transportation
Wyoming's rivers are not major transportation routes for cargo compared to rivers in other states. Most rivers in Wyoming are used primarily for recreational purposes rather than commercial shipping. Consequently, there are no significant cargo transport statistics for Wyoming’s rivers, as they do not support heavy barge or ship traffic.
Presence of Dams
Wyoming has numerous dams across its rivers and lakes. These dams are used for a variety of purposes, including irrigation, power generation, and flood control. Examples include the Boysen Dam, which aids in irrigation and flood management, and the Flaming Gorge Dam, which generates hydroelectric power. Some dams also create reservoirs used for recreational activities such as boating and fishing.
Recreational Use of Water Bodies
Many of Wyoming's rivers and lakes are popular for recreational activities. Fishing, boating, and house boating are common on reservoirs like Flaming Gorge and on rivers such as the North Platte. Jenny Lake and Yellowstone Lake are also popular spots for recreational fishing and boating. These water bodies offer diverse opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.
Flooding Issues
Wyoming experiences occasional flooding, particularly during wet years when snowmelt and rainfall can cause rivers to overflow. Areas near levees and floodplains are sometimes at risk of higher water levels, leading to potential property damage. Flooding is typically managed through dam operations and flood control measures, though there can be challenges related to building in flood-prone areas.
Support for Agriculture
Several rivers and reservoirs in Wyoming support the state’s agricultural industry by providing essential irrigation water. The North Platte River, for example, is crucial for irrigation in the region, as are reservoirs like Boysen. These water bodies ensure that crops and livestock receive the necessary water supply for productive agriculture. They play a vital role in sustaining Wyoming's farming and ranching sectors.
Pollution Issues
Wyoming’s water bodies have faced pollution issues, often related to agricultural runoff and industrial activities. Pollutants from livestock operations and mining can impact water quality in some rivers and lakes. Efforts are ongoing to address these issues through state and federal regulations aimed at improving water quality and managing pollution sources.
Future Reservoir Construction
Wyoming is actively evaluating the need for additional reservoirs to support water management and agricultural needs. Planning for new reservoirs often involves assessing water supply needs, environmental impacts, and potential benefits. State and federal agencies are involved in these assessments to ensure that any new projects meet the state's water needs and environmental standards.
Wyoming Rivers, Lakes, Streams and Water Features
Antelope Creek, Converse Co, Wyoming
Bear Creek, Goshen Co, Wyoming
Bear Creek, Laramie Co, Wyoming
Bear River, Lincoln Co, Wyoming
Bear River, Uinta Co, Wyoming
Beaver Creek, Fremont Co, Wyoming
Beaver Creek, Niobrara Co, Wyoming
Beaver Creek, Weston Co, Wyoming
Belle Fourche River, Campbell Co, Wyoming
Belle Fourche River, Crook Co, Wyoming
Big Sandy Reservoir, Sublette Co, Wyoming
Big Sandy Reservoir, Sweetwater Co, Wyoming
Big Sandy River, Sublette Co, Wyoming
Big Sandy River, Sweetwater Co, Wyoming
Bighorn Lake, Big Horn Co, Wyoming
Bighorn River, Big Horn Co, Wyoming
Bighorn River, Hot Springs Co, Wyoming
Bighorn River, Washakie Co, Wyoming
Bitter Creek, Sweetwater Co, Wyoming
Black Thunder Creek, Campbell Co, Wyoming
Black Thunder Creek, Weston Co, Wyoming
Blacks Fork,Lincoln Co, Wyoming
Blacks Fork,Sweetwater Co, Wyoming
Blacks Fork,Uinta Co, Wyoming
Boulder Lake, Sublette Co, Wyoming
Box Elder Creek, Converse Co, Wyoming
Boysen Reservoir, Fremont Co, Wyoming
Buffalo Bill Reservoir, Park Co, Wyoming
Bull Lake, Fremont Co, Wyoming
Cheyenne River, Converse Co, Wyoming
Cheyenne River, Niobrara Co, Wyoming
Cheyenne River, Weston Co, Wyoming
Chugwater Creek, Laramie Co, Wyoming
Chugwater Creek, Platte Co, Wyoming
Clarks Fork Yellowstone River, Park Co, WY
Clear Creek, Johnson Co, Wyoming
Clear Creek, Sheridan Co, Wyoming
Cooper Lake, Albany Co, Wyoming
Cottonwood Creek, Hot Springs Co, Wyoming
Cottonwood Creek, Uinta Co, Wyoming
Cottonwood Creek, Washakie Co, Wyoming
Crazy Woman Creek, Johnson Co, Wyoming
Crow Creek, Fremont Co, Wyoming
Crow Creek, Laramie Co, Wyoming
Deer Creek, Converse Co, Wyoming
Deer Creek, Fremont Co, Wyoming
Deer Creek, Natrona Co, Wyoming
Dry Creek, Big Horn Co, Wyoming
Dry Creek, Fremont Co, Wyoming
Dry Creek, Park Co, Wyoming
Dry Fork Cheyenne River, Converse Co, WY
East Fork Wind River, Fremont Co, Wyoming
Fifteenmile Creek, Big Horn Co, Wyoming
Fifteenmile Creek, Park Co, Wyoming
Fifteenmile Creek, Washakie Co, Wyoming
Fillmore Creek, Carbon Co, Wyoming
Fillmore Creek, Sweetwater Co, Wyoming
Fivemile Creek, Fremont Co, Wyoming
Flaming Gorge Reservoir, Sweetwater Co, WY
Fontenelle Creek, Lincoln Co, Wyoming
Fontenelle Reservoir, Lincoln Co, Wyoming
Fontenelle Reservoir, Sweetwater Co, WY
Foote Creek, Albany Co, Wyoming
Foote Creek, Carbon Co, Wyoming
Fremont Lake, Sublette Co, Wyoming
Glendo Reservoir, Converse Co, Wyoming
Glendo Reservoir, Platte Co, Wyoming
Grass Creek, Hot Springs Co, Wyoming
Green River, Lincoln Co, Wyoming
Green River, Sublette Co, Wyoming
Green River, Sweetwater Co, Wyoming
Greys River, Lincoln Co, Wyoming
Gros Ventre River, Teton Co, Wyoming
Guernsey Reservoir, Platte Co, Wyoming
Hams Fork,Lincoln Co, Wyoming
Heart Lake, Teton Co, Wyoming
Hoback River, Sublette Co, Wyoming
Hoback River, Teton Co, Wyoming
Horse Creek, Albany Co, Wyoming
Horse Creek, Goshen Co, Wyoming
Horse Creek, Laramie Co, Wyoming
Horseshoe Creek, Albany Co, Wyoming
Horseshoe Creek, Converse Co, Wyoming
Horseshoe Creek, Platte Co, Wyoming
Inyan Kara Creek, Crook Co, Wyoming
Jackson Lake, Teton Co, Wyoming
Keyhole Reservoir, Crook Co, Wyoming
Killpecker Creek, Sweetwater Co, Wyoming
Kirby Creek, Hot Springs Co, Wyoming
La Barge Creek, Lincoln Co, Wyoming
La Barge Creek, Sublette Co, Wyoming
La Bonte Creek, Albany Co, Wyoming
La Bonte Creek, Converse Co, Wyoming
Lake De Smet,Johnson Co, Wyoming
Lake Hattie Reservoir, Albany Co, Wyoming
Lake Viva Naughton, Lincoln Co, Wyoming
Lamar River, Park Co, Wyoming
Lance Creek, Niobrara Co, Wyoming
Laramie River, Albany Co, Wyoming
Laramie River, Goshen Co, Wyoming
Laramie River, Platte Co, Wyoming
Lightning Creek, Converse Co, Wyoming
Lightning Creek, Niobrara Co, Wyoming
Little Bitter Creek, Sweetwater Co, Wyoming
Little Medicine Bow River, Albany Co, WY
Little Medicine Bow River, Carbon Co, WY
Little Missouri River, Crook Co, Wyoming
Little Muddy Creek, Lincoln Co, Wyoming
Little Muddy Creek, Uinta Co, Wyoming
Little Popo Agie River, Fremont Co, WY
Little Powder River, Campbell Co, Wyoming
Little Thunder Creek, Campbell Co, Wyoming
Little Thunder Creek, Weston Co, Wyoming
Little Wind River, Fremont Co, Wyoming
Lodgepole Creek, Weston Co, Wyoming
Medicine Bow River, Carbon Co, Wyoming
Middle Fork Casper Creek, Natrona Co, WY
Middle Fork Powder River, Johnson Co, WY
Middle Fork Powder River, Natrona Co, WY
Middle Fork Powder River, Washakie Co, WY
Muddy Creek, Carbon Co, Wyoming
Muddy Creek, Fremont Co, Wyoming
Muskrat Creek, Fremont Co, Wyoming
New Fork Lakes,Sublette Co, Wyoming
North Fork Powder River, Johnson Co, WY
North Fork Shoshone River, Park Co, WY
North Laramie River, Albany Co, Wyoming
North Laramie River, Platte Co, Wyoming
North Piney Creek, Lincoln Co, Wyoming
North Piney Creek, Sublette Co, Wyoming
North Platte River, Carbon Co, Wyoming
North Platte River, Converse Co, Wyoming
North Platte River, Goshen Co, Wyoming
North Platte River, Natrona Co, Wyoming
North Popo Agie River, Fremont Co, WY
Nowater Creek, Washakie Co, Wyoming
Nowood River, Big Horn Co, Wyoming
Nowood River, Washakie Co, Wyoming
Ocean Lake, Fremont Co, Wyoming
Old Woman Creek, Niobrara Co, Wyoming
Paint Rock Creek, Big Horn Co, Wyoming
Palisades Reservoir, Lincoln Co, Wyoming
Pass Creek, Carbon Co, Wyoming
Pathfinder Reservoir, Carbon Co, Wyoming
Pathfinder Reservoir, Natrona Co, Wyoming
Poison Creek, Fremont Co, Wyoming
Poison Creek, Natrona Co, Wyoming
Poison Spider Creek, Natrona Co, Wyoming
Porcupine Creek, Campbell Co, Wyoming
Porcupine Creek, Converse Co, Wyoming
Powder River, Campbell Co, Wyoming
Powder River, Johnson Co, Wyoming
Powder River, Sheridan Co, Wyoming
Prairie Dog Creek, Sheridan Co, Wyoming
Rawhide Creek, Goshen Co, Wyoming
Rawhide Creek, Niobrara Co, Wyoming
Red Lake, Sweetwater Co, Wyoming
Sage Creek, Converse Co, Wyoming
Sage Creek, Park Co, Wyoming
Salt Creek, Johnson Co, Wyoming
Salt Creek, Natrona Co, Wyoming
Salt River, Lincoln Co, Wyoming
Salt Wells Creek, Sweetwater Co, Wyoming
Sand Creek, Carbon Co, Wyoming
Sand Creek, Converse Co, Wyoming
Sand Creek, Sweetwater Co, Wyoming
Seminoe Reservoir, Carbon Co, Wyoming
Separation Creek, Carbon Co, Wyoming
Separation Creek, Sweetwater Co, Wyoming
Shell Creek, Big Horn Co, Wyoming
Shell Creek, Sweetwater Co, Wyoming
Shoshone Lake, Teton Co, Wyoming
Shoshone River, Big Horn Co, Wyoming
Shoshone River, Park Co, Wyoming
Skull Creek, Weston Co, Wyoming
Smiths Fork,Lincoln Co, Wyoming
Snake River, Lincoln Co, Wyoming
Snake River, Teton Co, Wyoming
South Beaver Creek, Weston Co, Wyoming
South Fork Owl Creek, Fremont Co, WY
South Fork Owl Creek, Hot Springs Co, WY
South Fork Powder River, Johnson Co, WY
South Fork Powder River, Natrona Co, WY
South Fork Shoshone River, Park Co, WY
Stockade Beaver Creek, Weston Co, WY
Sweetwater River, Fremont Co, Wyoming
Sweetwater River, Natrona Co, Wyoming
Sweetwater River, Sublette Co, Wyoming
Tongue River, Sheridan Co, Wyoming
Wheatland Reservoir Number 2,Albany Co, WY
Wheatland Reservoir Number 3,Albany Co, WY
Wiggins Fork,Fremont Co, Wyoming
Wild Horse Creek, Campbell Co, WY
Wild Horse Creek, Sheridan Co, WY
Willow Lake, Sublette Co, Wyoming
Wind River, Fremont Co, Wyoming
Wind River, Teton Co, Wyoming
Woodruff Narrows Reservoir, Uinta Co, WY
Yellowstone Lake, Park Co, Wyoming
Yellowstone Lake, Teton Co, Wyoming
Yellowstone River, Park Co, Wyoming
Yellowstone River, Teton Co, Wyoming