WSGS Surface Water and Climate Group

James E. Stafford
Hydrology/Climatology Specialist
(307) 766-2286 Ext. 252
jstaffor@uwyo.edu

Wyoming Surface Water
Wyoming is an arid, high-elevation state with expansive basins and majestic mountain ranges. The mountains receive most of the state’s precipitation in the form of snow, which runs off to form the headwaters of Wyoming’s major river systems and to recharge aquifer systems. Wyoming contributes water to four major river basins: the Missouri River Basin, Columbia River Basin, Great Basin, and Colorado River Basin. Due to the seasonal nature of Wyoming’s surface water, there are a variety of dams and reservoirs in the state. Surface water, snow, rain, and water vapor in the air within the borders of Wyoming are legally owned by the state and leased out to various users. Wyoming’s limited water is a precious resource used extensively for irrigation, recreation, wildlife, and urban consumption.

Wyoming Climate
Wyoming, the fifth driest state (16.84 inches of annual precipitation) and second highest state (average elevation of 6,700 ft) in the U.S., has a unique climate. The many scattered mountain ranges control the distribution of snowfall and streamflow, and the deserts and plains between them hold crucial aquifers and lakes. Wyoming is a state of glaciers and tundra, forests and meadows, sand dunes and seasonal alkali lakes, rolling hills and plains. Among Wyoming’s various landscapes, water is the key element: it comes from the mountains or under the ground. Hydropower is also prevalent in Wyoming, with opportunities for development. Wyoming has great wind-power potential, some of which has already been developed.

Hydrology and Climate Operations
The Surface Water and Climate Group gathers streamflow data and maps Wyoming’s lakes, creeks, rivers, and watersheds. Additionally, providing information about the state’s climate, wind-power, hydropower, and topography is a main priority. We also work on water-related aspects of various key issues such as coal bed natural gas (CBNG) produced water, integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) plants, CO2 sequestration, and electrical generation. Below are links to more information and useful websites.

Surface Water Topics