Wyoming Lake Levels Are Just Below Average

As of mid-March 2026, Wyoming’s mountain snowpack was on the low end. So, what about those lakes and reservoirs?

Statewide, snow water equivalent (SWE) reached roughly 84-93% of the median for the winter of 2025/26, with high elevation holding better than low elevations. We could still use some more snow up there.

As for our lake and reservoir levels, it's much the same story.

As of March 2026, Wyoming reservoir levels are mixed, with some major systems experiencing low inflow due to well-below-average snowpack and ongoing drought conditions. While Flaming Gorge was at 82% capacity in early March, many North Platte Basin reservoirs are low, with snow-water levels at 35%–63% of average, prompting concerns for irrigation and recreation, according to Wyoming Fish & Game.

You can visit weather.gov information page to see the graphic above.

Flaming Gorge Reservoir: As of March 4, the elevation was 6022.73 feet, holding 82% of live storage capacity, though spring inflow is projected to be below average.

North Platte Basin: Reservoirs in this region face low storage carryover, and spring runoff is expected to be well below average due to severe snow drought.

Alcova Reservoir: Beginning April 1, 2026, the Bureau of Reclamation will increase water levels by about 10 feet to reach a summer operating level of ~5,498 feet for irrigation.

Bighorn Lake: March forecasts for April–July inflows are significantly lower than average.

Statewide Conditions: Roughly 79% of Wyoming is under some form of drought as of March 10, 2026.

You might look at these numbers and think, not as bad as you imagined. But at the same time, we need some more moisture, in any form, to keep these bodies of water at acceptable levels for the rest of the year.