The Shoshone River flows for about 100 miles from western Wyoming to its confluence with the Bighorn River in Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. The upper reaches of the river are a destination fishery, and rafting and kayaking are popular activities. Lower reaches have experienced fish kills and one segment of the river is considered impaired. The Greater Yellowstone Network monitors discharge and water quality at Kane, Wyoming. We will update this site as we collect more information.
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Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
Article 1: Shoshone River at Kane, Wyoming
The Shoshone River begins at the confluence of the North Fork and South Fork of the Shoshone River that meet at the Buffalo Bill Reservoir near Cody, Wyoming. The reservoir was created following the construction of the Buffalo Bill Dam between 1905 and 1910. We monitor the river at Kane, Wyoming. Read more
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Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
Article 2: Water Flow in the Shoshone River at Kane, Wyoming
We monitor water flow from the USGS gaging station near Lovell, Wyoming. This gage is six miles from our monitoring site at Kane, Wyoming. Despite being regulated by two dams, the hydrograph for the Shoshone River at this location is generally highest in the spring, coinciding with snowmelt at higher elevations. Read more
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Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
Article 3: Shoshone River Water Quality at Kane, Wyoming
Despite its regulated status, suspended solids and total phosphorus are at their annual maxima during high flows in the Shoshone River. We monitor water quality in the Shoshone River at Kane, Wyoming, and compare our results to federal and state water quality standards. Read more
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Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
Article 4: Monitoring Methods for the Shoshone River at Kane, Wyoming
We monitor water chemistry in the Shoshone River generally following USGS depth and width-integrated protocols and the Greater Yellowstone Network Regulatory Water Quality Monitoring Protocol. Discharge data are collected form a USGS gaging station near Lovell, Wyoming (USGS 06285100). Read more
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Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
Article 5: Water Quality Criteria for the Shoshone River at Kane, Wyoming
The Shoshone River in Wyoming is designated as a Class 2AB water. This classification means it can support drinking water uses and game fisheries for at least part of the game fish life cycle. The river is also protected for nongame fisheries, fish consumption, other aquatic life, recreation, wildlife, industry, agriculture, and scenic values. Read more