Overview
Boysen Reservoir is a large Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin reservoir on the Wind River near Thermopolis, Wyoming, formed by Boysen Dam (completed early 1950s) and operated by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation for irrigation, hydropower, flood control, and recreation. Boysen Powerplant and gated spillway sit at the dam; total controlled storage is on the order of 800,000 acre-feet.
At high pool the lake covers on the order of 19,000 acres with about 76 miles of shoreline and hydraulic depth near 117 feet. Wind River canyon walls, open flats, and Boysen State Park shoreline define a classic central Wyoming reservoir. Wind can build quickly on the open basin, and canyon walls near the dam contrast with broader upper flats.
Walleye, trout, ling, and other species draw anglers under Wyoming Game and Fish management. State park campgrounds, ramps, and the dam area provide primary public access. Boysen State Park campgrounds and ramps concentrate most visitor services on the east and south shores.
Top of joint-use / flood-related pool is about 4,725 feet above mean sea level, with active conservation lower on the guide curve. Elevations move with Wind River runoff and power releases, so monitoring current lake levels is important for boating and camping. Wind River snowmelt and irrigation demand drive the largest elevation swings of the year.
Current Conditions
Boysen Reservoir is currently 13.68 feet below full pool and has fallen slightly over the past week.
- 7-day trendFallingLatest movement can differ from the seven-day trend.
- 7-day changeDown 0.55 ft
- 30-day changeDown 1.73 ft
- Drought conditionsModerate Drought
About This Lake
Learn how this lake is managed, what affects its water level, and where Lake Insights gets its data.
Boysen Reservoir is a 19,500-acre reservoir on the Wind River managed by U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.