Pathfinder Reservoir

[twobisquit]

[URLPathfinder Reservoir is located in central Wyoming and is part of the North Platte drainage system. The Dam was built in 1910 of rock that was quarried nearby and was known as one of the great engineering marvels of the world. John Fremont's Expedition of 1843 floated the canyon and lost all their survey equipment and botanical specimens.

We have gotten record amounts of rain and snow this year and for the past month water has been flowing over the spillway. It is quite spectacular to see since it is 215 feet from the spillway to the canyon floor. Hope you all enjoy the pictures.

This derrick was used to lower the massive screw valves to the outlet below

The canyon is so deep and vertical that I could not photograph the entire dam

Here are a few of the canyon residents. They love to fly up into the mist.

I am not sure of the type of flower, Maybe someone can help me here

A short video from the canyon
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Gy ... directlink

 

[mt]

Nice pictures, thanks for posting them.

mt

 

[45Colt_Man]

Well I live in Wyoming and don't have a clue where it is, but I will definitely find a way to get there. Old and slow is my middle name, looks like a place my wife and I would both enjoy seeing.

Dana

 

[Stoots]

Excellent pics!

Thanks!

 

[Sheriff]

Great pictures!

 

[caryc]

Never heard of it either but it sure looks like a neat place. Thanks for the great pics.

"FALLING INTO CANYON IS FATAL"

Man, I never would have guessed that. It's a good thing that sign is there. Somebody's on the ball. :mrgreen:

 

[twobisquit]

Dana-
If you plan to see it you might come down soon. I guess the runoff is slowing down. I would be worth the trip considering Pathfinder is about 50 feet higher than Niagara Falls. Pathfinder is about 30 miles out of casper on Hwy 220. Last time it went over the top was 1983. The fish are biting everywhere around here. It is a well kept secret but the trout and walleye fishing is some of the best in the US.

Cary-I LMAO seeing that sign but soon realized that the mist was making the rocks slick. It got my attention. I am suprised that no one has gone over. They also have signs downstream saying that it is illegal to dive off the rocks but it is only about 100' to the bottom down there

 

[flatgate]

I've driven through Alcova a zillion times but have never slowed down enough to check out the sights.

I NEVER knew the dam was so magnificent! Thanks so much for sharing!

flatgate

 

[contender]

Excellent pics of a neat location. I'd love to see that. Miss Penny loves the rainbow in the canyon one.!