News Release Archive

Red Bluff Diversion Dam Gates to be Raised to Aid Salmon Migration

Media Contact: Jeffrey McCracken, 916-978-5100, JMCCRACKEN@mp.usbr.gov

For Release: September 08, 2004

For the 19th consecutive year, the Bureau of Reclamation will raise the gates at Red Bluff Diversion Dam to improve passage for the endangered winter-run Chinook salmon in the Sacramento River. The gates will be raised beginning September 9, dropping the river back to its normal level by September 12. The gates will remain open until May 2005, when they will be lowered in time for the spring/summer irrigation and recreation seasons at Lake Red Bluff.

Cited as an important means of improving migration of this protected species, the operation is required under the Endangered Species Act as part of the Biological Opinion on Central Valley Project operations. Temporary pumps will continue to deliver irrigation water to the canal systems until the end of the irrigation season. Fish screens have been installed on these pumps.

For additional information, please call Reclamation's Red Bluff Field Office at 530-529-3890.

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