This reservoir provides storage for downstream irrigation in Idaho. The Greys and Salt Rivers contribute flow from the southern portion of the basin and join the Snake River at Palisades Reservoir, which extends into Wyoming from Idaho. The Henrys Fork River receives snowmelt from the westernmost portion of the basin on the west slopes of the Grand Tetons before joining the Snake downstream in Idaho. The Wyoming Snake River Basin includes approximately 5,139 square miles of land area. Over 92 percent of the land in the basin is federally owned.
Recreation is a major use of the Snake River in Wyoming as the local economy has a tourism base.
Fishing, wildlife viewing and white water recreation are popular uses of the river. Flood control in areas downstream of Jackson Lake are of local concern. Levees must be constantly maintained to control spring flood flows. Growth in the Jackson area is also of concern as new development has converted former agricultural lands. The Salt River area in the southern basin is generally more agricultural in nature.