Record year for Boysen

By now, most everyone understands that Boysen Reservoir and the Wind and Big Horn Rivers were full and fast for the past two months. Several river rescues were required during that time, ruining the chance of floating the river for most.

What we didn’t realize at the time, however, was the water flows this summer have broken a 50-year old record.

The record was first set in 1967 when 1.3 million acre feet of water flowed into the reservoir.

As of Wed., July 26, 1.67 million acre feet flowed in with the possibility of that number going a little higher still until the snowmelt is completely over for the season.

On Monday, the Bureau of Reclamation lowered the outflow from the reservoir down river to 3,000 cubic feet per second, a more normal flow.

Even with a lower flow, Hot Springs County Emergency Management still recommends everyone wear a life jacket while floating or recreating on the water.