News Release Archive

Flows Increase on the Boise River

Media Contact: John Redding, (208) 378-5212, jredding@pn.usbr.gov
Brian Sauer, bsauer@pn.usbr.gov

For Release: April 11, 2006

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Reclamation will continue to increase the stream flows on the Boise River as part of flood control releases that began on April 6.

Flows from Lucky Peak Dam will continue to increase by 500 cubic feet per second each day from April 11, through April 13. Flows through Boise will be near the "bank full" level of 6,500 cfs on April 13. The flows were last seen at this level on April 4, 1999.

Recent precipitation and current snowpack conditions of approximately 130 percent of average for the Boise River basin has resulted in the need for further reservoir releases. These releases will help to minimize the risk of higher river levels later in the spring, which can occur with rapidly melting snow and precipitation.

The public should be aware of the danger associated with these increased flows. The water is deep and velocities are high. Extreme caution should be used when near the river banks. Low lying areas of the Boise Greenbelt may be covered with water at these higher flows and should be avoided.

Current water storage in Boise River reservoirs is about 47 percent of capacity and the projected runoff for April through July is expected to be about 140 percent of average.

Citizens are also encouraged to contact Ada City-County Emergency Management for additional information related to local emergency action plans by calling (208) 577-4750.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.