The Kemmerer-Diamondville Joint Powers Board began lowering water levels at Kemmerer Reservoir on Monday, March 23 due to structural concerns with the spillway and in preparation for spring runoff.

“Residents are strongly warned to stay off the the reservoir ice,” said Superintendent Brent McClarnon. “Lowering the water beneath the ice creates extremely dangerous conditions, and the ice may collapse without warning. For your safety, do not walk, fish, or travel on the reservoir.”

According to the JPB, a recent inspection conducted by the Wyoming State Dam Safety Engineer identified structural deficiencies in the primary spillway. As a result, the state has mandated that no water flow over the primary spillway until necessary repairs can be completed. To comply with this directive, the dam must be operated using the low-level outlet works only.

The goal of lowering the water level is to create sufficient storage capacity (buffer) to prevent water from reaching and flowing over the primary spillway, even during higher seasonal inflows. It is expected that reservoir levels will remain below the primary spillway elevation throughout spring runoff. After peak seasonal flows subside, the reservoir level will be partially restored, but will continue to be maintained below the spillway until repairs are completed.

McClarnon said additional updates would be provided as they become available.