Flaming Gorgeous Dam and the Green River!!!

Steve and I spent a week at Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area. We've been there multiple times before, but this year was a little different. The Wind River Mountain Range in Wyoming had 200% or more snow pack this year...that means lots and lots of WATER! The Green River starts in those mountains, flows through southwestern Wyoming, through Utah and into the Colorado River. Flaming Gorge was created by Flaming Gorge Dam and the snow melt has filled the reservoir!

Just a little history: Flaming Gorge Dam was built in the 1960's (started in the late 50's) and completed in 1964. It is over 600 feet tall and houses 3 generators. Typically, water release is 800-1200 cfs (cubic feet per second). Due to the high water, both jet valves are wide open and pouring water. The river flow is now nearly 9000 cfs! During our tour July 7th, 2011; we were informed the reservoir was 2 feet from completely full and needing to open the spillway. Flaming Gorge Dam Spillway tunnels through the cliff 675 feet. The last time the spillway was opened (at only 14% capacity in 1983), the water flow wiped out the service road and the river boat ramp. The high flow this year has already taken out the river walk from the dam to Little Hole.

These pictures were taken from the service road on the way to the boat ramp.





The Dam's marmot keeps a close watch over the jet valves. He also likes to clean up an fish food that has been dropped. At the bottom of the dam, you are able to feed the many trout hanging out. The marmot cleans up all the food dropped by the humans.

Water release from the jet valves. Standing just above them.

The Dam's spillway is to the left of these jet valves and up river a few feet. The flow at this time is about 9000 cfs as I mentioned. The spillway alone is capable of 28,800 cfs!

Little Hole (down the river about 8 miles) has more water than I've ever seen. We attempted fishing one day. I caught the first and biggest fish. Unfortunately, due to regulations, it was not a keeper. Fish have to be below 15 inches or over 22 inches to keep; mine was 17 inches. Funny thing, I casted once, caught the fish and Steve came to help me. His first words were, "Damn, fishing with you is a lot of work." It's all good...I have the bragging rights for now.

Little Hole Overlook

My German Brown Trout