Wyoming Framework Water Plan - Living Rivers Home Page

8.0 OPPORTUNITIES
Clarks Fork
The Clarks Fork has identified needs. The only project identified in the short list, the Lake Creek
Reservoir Project, would store 5,100 acre-feet. To advance this project, a Level I study would be needed.
Bighorn River
The Bighorn River has minimal needs. Storage water is available from Boysen Reservoir. The
Kirby Area Water Supply Level I study identified three alternative reservoir sites for analysis, conceptual
designs, and cost estimates. This study confirmed the lack of needs below Boysen Reservoir. No storage
sites for the Bighorn River were on the short list.
Greybull River
The Greybull River has relatively small shortages. The construction of the Greybull Valley
Project, which included the Roach Gulch Reservoir has alleviated most of the shortages. No storage sites
for the Greybull River were included on the short list.
Shoshone River
The Shoshone River has relatively small needs. No storage sites for the Shoshone River were
included on the short list. The State of Wyoming owns water in the Buffalo Bill Enlargement, which is
presently enhancing recreation benefits, and water is available for sale for future municipal and industrial
demands.
Owl Creek
The Owl Creek drainage has significant identified needs. A Level I study, “Master Plan for Owl
Creek Basin” (SEH, Inc., 2005), identified five alternative sites that showed promise for meeting the
needs. In 2006, a Level II project was commissioned to investigate the alternate storage opportunities.
8.9.9 Future Groundwater Development
While numerous hydrogeological investigations
have been conducted in the planning area, there have been
few, if any, regional assessments of the annual recharge,
storage, and sustained yield capability of the major aquifers.
General conclusions regarding the groundwater development
potential of several of the major aquifers are summarized
below.
! Subaquifers in the Quaternary Aquifer may have local development potential. Depending
upon local hydrogeologic conditions, individual well yields may typically range from 10 to
500 gpm. Water quality and susceptibility to surface water sources of contamination must be
addressed.
! The Wind River Aquifer is already heavily developed within the Wind River Basin, but
opportunities for additional groundwater development and installation of high-capacity wells
may be possible in areas not currently developed. Local water quality conditions may
constrain development in the planning area.
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