News Release Archive

Flows To Increase Out of Palisades Dam in Idaho

Media Contact: John Redding, (208) 378-5212, jredding@pn.usbr.gov
Mike Beus, mbeus@pn.usbr.gov

For Release: June 14, 2006

The Bureau of Reclamation will increase flows below Palisades Dam with a maximum discharge of 20,000 cubic feet per second on Friday, June 16. The dam is located on the Snake River about 55 miles east of Idaho Falls, Idaho.

Formal flood control regulations require the release of this volume of water. This operation will also benefit native Yellowstone cutthroat trout below Palisades Dam.

River flows will begin to decrease on June 17 and are expected to return to normal flows by June 21. The average flow for this date is more than 15,000 cfs but it is expected that about 12,500 cfs will meet downstream demands next week.

Boaters and people near the river are urged to be careful and take precautions during increasing and high flows which have already increased to 12,500 cfs. Flows will increase nightly until the maximum is reached.

"The primary purpose for this release of water is to delay filling Palisades Reservoir to comply with formal flood control restrictions," said Mike Beus, Reclamation hydraulic engineer. "The timing and schedule of the release is being managed to benefit Yellowstone cutthroat trout."

The intent is to manage flood control releases from Palisades Reservoir at near bank-full river levels so that unanticipated rain does not exceed bank-full conditions once the reservoir fills.

American Falls Reservoir is less than full and is expected to recapture the water released from Palisades. This operation is not expected to affect water rights or the allocation of stored water to space holders. Heavy precipitation could prolong the increased flows.

For current river and reservoir conditions visit www.usbr.gov/pn/hydromet. For more information on the operation of Palisades Dam and other upper Snake River reservoirs contact Chris Ketchum, Deputy Area Manager, Snake River Area Office, in Burley, Idaho at (208) 678-0461, extension 34.

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