Fontenelle Reservoir, Water storage on the Green River in Wyoming
Fontenelle Reservoir is a large body of water in Wyoming formed by a dam on the Green River. The water covers a wide area with a curved shoreline, offering multiple access points for boating, fishing, and camping activities.
Fontenelle Dam was built in 1964 and marks the start of the Green River's flow. A serious seepage problem emerged on the dam's western side the following year, forcing engineers to drain the reservoir temporarily to prevent potential failure. Later reinforcement work in the 1970s and 1980s strengthened the structure and ensured its long-term stability.
The reservoir serves the local community as an important gathering place for outdoor recreation and leisure. It draws people seeking solitude and open spaces where they can spend time away from towns and busy areas.
Access to the reservoir is straightforward from Highway 189, located about 10 miles south of LaBarge and 30 miles north of Kemmerer. Fontenelle Creek Campground provides basic amenities including running water, restrooms, and grills, while additional primitive campsites are available below the dam for those seeking simpler accommodations.
The lake offers free boat launching with no fees, and its cold clear waters create excellent conditions for trout fishing. Below the dam, the river flows as one of the finest trout streams in the western United States, surrounded by the Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge where visitors commonly spot deer and eagles.
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