Ephemeral Falls

Ephemeral waterfall at Lower Powder Spring
Sweetwater County, Wyoming
photo by Pat O'Toole
Here’s an unusual moment when an infrequent waterfall helps engorge Lower Powder Spring. The spring is a pivotal water source that drew creators of 10,000-year-old petroglyphs, provided a crucial link on the Cherokee Trail, and was homesteaded by Matt Rash, one of Butch Cassidy’s Wild Bunch (also known as the Powder Springs gang). It is an important water source for our cattle and sheep operation, as well as abundant wildlife. This water is bisected by the Colorado-Wyoming state line, and is near the site of the Doc Chivington (nephew to the infamous Colonel) homestead, where still stands a stone foundation. Chivington spend years in this remote location, hired by Colorado cattlemen to keep Wyoming sheep from crossing the “dead line”.
text by Pat O'Toole

Pat & George at new Lower Powder Spring reservoir
photo by Sharon O'Toole
