Wyoming Framework Water Plan - Living Rivers Home Page

7.0 AVAILABILITY
7.2.6 Basin Summaries
Table 7-4 summarizes the general groundwater availability conclusions of the individual river
basin plans. Only the “major” aquifers are addressed in Table 7-4.
Table 7-4 Groundwater Availability Summary
Bear River Basin
Alluvial Aquifers
Aquifer (Group)
Snake/Salt River Basin
Alluvial Aquifers
Aquifer (Group)
Local development potential, with surface water depletion
Other Aquifers
Highly localized potential for high yields and quality, depending on
local geologic conditions; stream depletion concerns may apply
Green River Basin
Alluvial Aquifers
Local development potential, with surface water depletion
Major Aquifers - Sandstones
Coalbed methane production may provide groundwater
Northeast Wyoming and Powder River Basin
Madison Formation (Major Aquifers - Limestone)
Total recharge estimated at 75,000 ac-ft/yr
Potential well yields up to >1,000 gpm
Accessible depths around Black Hills
Water quality likely deterioriates with depth
Lance/Fox Hills (Major Aquifers - Sandstones)
Low to moderate yields
Potential high-fluoride issues
Fort Union / Wasatch Formations (Major Aquifers - Sandstones)
Coalbed methane groundwater production provides use
opportunities and water level impacts
Alluvial Aquifers
Local development potential, with surface water depletion
Platte River Basin
Alluvial Aquifers
Development potential only with recognition of surface depletion
Ogalalla and Arikaree Formations (Major Aquifers - Sandstones)
Additional development potential in South Platte drainage, subject
to Control Area limitations
North Platte development potential mainly in areas deemed "not
hydrologically connected"
Casper Formation (Major Aquifers - Limestone)
Production highly dependent on local geologic conditions
Accessible depths along north and east slopes of Laramie Range
North Platte development potential mainly in areas deemed "not
hydrologically connected"
Yields up to 1,000 gpm potentially available, with surface water
depletion
Highest availability along Snake River
Potential quality concerns with proliferation of septic systems
Salt Lake Formation (Major Aquifers - Sandstones)
High-yield wells highly dependent upon local geologic conditions
Other Aquifers
Highly localized potential for high yields and quality, depending on
local geologic conditions
Wind/Bighorn River Basin
Alluvial Aquifers
Well yields 10 - 500 gpm
Surface water depletion issues
Wind River Formation (Major Aquifers - Sandstones)
Already heavily developed in some areas
Potential for high-capacity wells elsewhere
Groundwater quality variations may constrain use
Madison Formation (Major Aquifers - Limestone)
Potential for >1,000 gpm flowing wells
Production highly dependent on local geologic conditions
Accessible depths along west slope of Bighorn Mountains,
northeast slopes of Wind River Mountains
Flathead Formation (mapped with Major Aquifers - Limestone)
Yield potential for >1000 gpm flowing wells highly dependent upon
local geologic conditions
Accessible depths along west slope of Bighorn Mountains
In general, groundwater availability is greatest for the alluvial aquifers of the state, with the
understanding that connections with surface water will have to be addressed. The “major aquifers -
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