Flaming Gorge Reservoir facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Flaming Gorge Reservoir |
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Flaming Gorge Reservoir in Utah
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 Flaming Gorge Reservoir
Location in Wyoming
Flaming Gorge Reservoir
Location in Utah
Flaming Gorge Reservoir
Location in the United States
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| Location | Sweetwater County, Wyoming / Daggett County, Utah, US |
| Coordinates | 41°09′41″N 109°33′04″W / 41.16139°N 109.55111°W |
| Lake type | Hydroelectric reservoir |
| Primary inflows | Green River Henrys Fork |
| Primary outflows | Green River |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 42,020 acres (170 km2) |
| Water volume | 3,788,900 acre⋅ft (4.6735 km3) |
| Surface elevation | 6,040 ft (1841 m) |
| Settlements | Manila, Utah; Dutch John, Utah |
The Flaming Gorge Reservoir is a huge man-made lake. It is mostly in Wyoming and partly in Utah. This large reservoir was created by building the Flaming Gorge Dam on the Green River.
Work on the dam started in 1958. It was finished in 1964. The reservoir holds a lot of water. When full, it stores about 3.79 million acre-feet of water. This is a very important water source for the region.
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Where is Flaming Gorge Reservoir?
This big lake stretches across the border of two states. Most of it is in southwest Wyoming. A smaller part is in northeastern Utah.
The northern end of the lake is about 10 miles (16 km) southeast of Green River, Wyoming. It is also about 14 miles (23 km) southwest of Rock Springs, Wyoming. The southern end is about 40 miles (64 km) north of Vernal, Utah.
The town of Dutch John, Utah, is very close to the dam. It was first built as a camp for the dam workers. After the dam was done, it became a place for managing the area.
How the Reservoir Was Formed
The Flaming Gorge Reservoir sits in a deep, narrow canyon. This canyon is made of strong rocks like sandstone and quartzite. There are also softer rocks like shales and siltstones. These different layers of rock make up the canyon walls.
Fun Things to Do at Flaming Gorge
Flaming Gorge is a popular place for outdoor fun. It is part of the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area. This area is managed by the Ashley National Forest.
Many people visit to enjoy the beautiful nature. You can go hiking on trails. Boating and windsurfing are popular on the water. Fishing is also a big draw.
There are many places to camp around the reservoir. Some campsites require a fee. Others are free. Most campgrounds close in winter. However, Dripping Springs near Dutch John stays open.
Fishing at Flaming Gorge
The reservoir and nearby rivers are great for fishing. You can catch many types of fish here. These include Cutthroat trout, Brown trout, and Rainbow trout. You might also find Lake trout, Kokanee salmon, and Smallmouth bass.
The Green River, just below the dam, is famous for fly fishing. Its cold water and unique features make it a top spot for anglers from all over the world.
