Hydrology
The Popo Agie Watershed contains three main streams (North Fork, Middle Fork, Little Popo Agie) that originate from high elevations near the Continental Divide in the distinguished Wind River Mountain Range. These streams are fed by annual snow melt and seasonal precipitation, and each tiny amount of water flows together to form larger creeks and streams (known as tributaries). The watershed ends near Arapahoe where the Popo Agie River joins the Little Wind River.
North Fork
The North Fork of the Popo Agie River is approximately 43 miles long from the headwaters near Lonesome Lake to the confluence with the Middle Fork of the Popo Agie River north of Lander. The North Fork of the Popo Agie River is the southern boundary of the Wind River Indian Reservation. The North Fork contains 7,080 irrigated acres and drains nearly 117,600 total acres. Tributaries include Surrell Creek, Mexican Creek, and Paradise Creek, as well as Shoshone Lake
Middle Fork
The Middle Fork of the Popo Agie River is approximately 54 miles long from the headwaters near Bill’s Park to the confluence with the Little Popo Agie River at the Town of Hudson. The Middle Fork contains 11,503 irrigated acres and drains nearly 166,120 total acres. Tributaries include Baldwin Creek, Squaw Creek, and Sawmill Creek, as well as Frye Lake and Worthen Meadow Reservoir.
Little Popo Agie
The Little Popo Agie River boasts the largest drainage area in the Popo Agie Watershed. The Little Popo Agie River is approximately 58 miles long from the headwaters near Christina Lake to the confluence with the Popo Agie River in Hudson. It contains 6,662 irrigated acres and drains approximately 238,630 total acres. Tributaries include Twin Creek, Red Canyon Creek, Beason Creek, and Willow Creek, as well as Christina Lake.