News Release Archive

Bureau of Reclamation Issues May Operations Plan for Yellowtail Dam

Media Contact: Paula A. Holwegner, (406) 247-7300, pholwegner@gp.usbr.gov
Mark Andersen, mandersen@gp.usbr.gov

For Release: May 10, 2007

According to Dan Jewell, Area Manager for the Bureau of Reclamation's Montana Area Office, inflows to Yellowtail Reservoir (Bighorn Lake) during the month of April were only 58 percent of average. The lower than anticipated inflows resulted in an April end-of-month lake elevation about 2.5 feet lower than what Reclamation had projected in the April operations plan. "In addition," Jewell said, "our May through July runoff forecast is only 55 percent of average, which is a cause for concern. With these hydrologic conditions, I am not optimistic that this record drought that has been plaguing the Bighorn basin is near its end."

Releases to meet downstream irrigation needs typically begin in May, placing additional demands on Yellowtail storage. Based on all these conditions, Reclamation plans to maintain releases from Yellowtail Dam to the Bighorn River at 1,500 cubic feet per second (cfs) through June, in a concerted effort to conserve storage. Increases in river releases will be considered if and when hydrologic conditions improve significantly.

Reclamation will continue to keep the public apprised of any changes to Yellowtail operations. Any questions regarding the May operations plan should be directed to Ms. Paula Holwegner of Reclamation's Montana Area Office at (406) 247-7300.

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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.

Relevant Link:

Montana Area Office Home Page

Yellowtail Dam and Bighorn Lake Operations