Big Goose Creek

Last updated
Big Goose Creek
Big Goose Creek 2023 Sheridan, Wyoming.jpg
Big Goose Creek flowing through Sheridan, Wyoming
Location
CountryUnited States
State Wyoming
County Sheridan
City Sheridan
Physical characteristics
Source 
 • location Bighorn Mountains
Mouth  
 • location
 Tongue River
 • coordinates
 44°51′22″N106°57′08″W / 44.85611°N 106.95222°W / 44.85611; -106.95222
Basin features
Progression Tongue River → Yellowstone River → Missouri River → Mississippi River

Big Goose Creek is a significant waterway in Sheridan County, Wyoming. The creek originates from Park Reservoir, southwest of Sheridan in the Bighorn Mountains. It flows northeasterly through canyons on the east face of the mountains before eventually reaching the Powder River Basin. The creek is the primary water source for Sheridan and surrounding communities. In the town of Sheridan, it joins "Little Goose Creek" near Dow and Val Vista Street.

Contents

The creek’s upper reaches cut through Precambrian basement rock, consisting primarily of quartz monzonite and gneiss. [1] Once it reaches the canyons of the Bighorns, it flows through Bighorn Dolomite and the fossil-rich Madison Limestone. Once across the Bighorn Fault, the creek enters the Powder River Basin, where the gradient decreases and the stream begins to meander through the Eocene-aged Wasatch Formation. [2]

Origin

Park Reservoir in the Big Horn Mountains, Wyoming, USA Park Reservoir Big Horn Mountains.jpg
Park Reservoir in the Big Horn Mountains, Wyoming, USA
The origin of Big Goose Creek at Park Reservoir in the Big Horn Mountains Big Goose Creek at Park Reservoir.jpg
The origin of Big Goose Creek at Park Reservoir in the Big Horn Mountains

The reservoir that suppplies Big Goose is filled as a result of snow-melt, typically beginning in mid to late May. [3] The creek is also fed via Dome Lake. Park Reservoir was created in the early 20th century. [4]

After joining Little Goose Creek in the Sherian city limits, the creek becomes known as "Goose Creek" which eventually empties into the Tongue River.

The city of Sheridan has implemented a watershed control program plan to protect the upper part of the creek, which serves as the city's primary water supply. It identifies potential contaminants in the creek, including Cryptosporidium. The goal is to stop the pollutants before they reach the water treatment plant. [5] The city has made significant updates to its treatment facilities to meet EPA standards. [6]

The creek is known to contain brook trout, and rainbow trout. [7] There city has also created projects to allow for Yellowstone cutthroat trout to thrive. [8] Focus has also been put on other wildlife native to the region. [9]

Big Goose is also a part of Sheridan's pathways project, and much of the creek is walkable within the city limits. [10]

Floods

A bridge crossing over Big Goose Creek near Kendrick Park in Sheridan, Wyoming Big Goose Creek Kendrick Park.jpg
A bridge crossing over Big Goose Creek near Kendrick Park in Sheridan, Wyoming

Big Goose Creek is prone to flooding, and its level depends on snowpack yearly. The most significant flood occurred in 1923. That flood impacted businesses and destroyed bridges causing millions of dollars in damage. The city of Sheridan began to consider flood control and leeves. [11] [12] In June 1963, heavy rainfall combined with peak snowmelt caused the creek to breach its banks once again, leading to the inundation of residential areas and the loss of livestock in the lower valley. [13] In response to these recurring disasters, the United States Army Corps of Engineers collaborated with local authorities to construct an extensive system of levees and concrete floodways through the city. [14] [15] [16]

References

  1. ↑ "Geologic Map of the Sheridan 30' x 60' Quadrangle" (PDF). Wyoming State Geological Survey. Retrieved January 29, 2026.
  2. ↑ "Ground Water Atlas of the United States: Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming". United States Geological Survey. Retrieved January 29, 2026.
  3. ↑ "USGS 06299500 BIG GOOSE CREEK NEAR SHERIDAN, WY". U.S. Geological Survey. Retrieved January 29, 2026.
  4. ↑ "Sheridan's Water Supply History". City of Sheridan, Wyoming. Retrieved January 29, 2026.
  5. ↑ "Source Water Protection - City of Sheridan, WY". City of Sheridan. Retrieved January 29, 2026.
  6. ↑ "Upper Big Goose Creek Watershed Management Plan" (PDF). City of Sheridan. September 21, 2015.
  7. ↑ Bighorn Mountains Fisheries Management Plan (Report). Wyoming Game and Fish Department. 2022.
  8. ↑ "Sheridan celebrates creek revival, eyes downtown transformation". U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Omaha District. July 17, 2025.
  9. ↑ "Sheridan WY Ecosystem Restoration". U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Retrieved January 29, 2026.
  10. ↑ "Sheridan Pathways Master Plan" (PDF). City of Sheridan. June 2019.
  11. ↑ Georgon, Helen (1987). Sheridan County Heritage. Sheridan County Historical Society.
  12. ↑ "Big Goose Creek Overflows Banks; Millions in Damage". The Sheridan Post-Enterprise. September 28, 1923.
  13. ↑ McGuinness, C.L. (1963). The role of ground water in the national water situation (PDF) (Report). Water-Supply Paper 1800. United States Geological Survey. p. 953–970. Retrieved January 29, 2026.
  14. ↑ "Sheridan Flood Control Project". U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District. Retrieved January 29, 2026.
  15. ↑ Region 1 Hazard Mitigation Plan: Sheridan County Annex (PDF) (Report). Sheridan County Emergency Management. 2024. Retrieved January 29, 2026.
  16. ↑ "Big Goose Creek Slope Rehabilitation". Keller Group plc. Retrieved January 29, 2026.
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