News Release Archive

Lake Roosevelt Water Levels on the Rise

Media Contact: Craig Sprankle, (509) 633-9503, csprankle@pn.usbr.gov
John Redding, jredding@pn.usbr.gov

For Release: May 15, 2007

The water level in Lake Roosevelt, the reservoir behind Grand Coulee Dam, has reached the low point for the flood control season and has begun to refill, according to the Bureau of Reclamation. The lake, located in north central Washington State, provides storage space each spring to hold back high flows on the Columbia River and prevent flooding downstream.

"The water is down almost 40 feet from full and Grand Coulee Dam will now be operated to hold back high flows and refill the lake for the summer," according to Grand Coulee Power Office Manager David Murillo.

On May 15, the elevation of the reservoir was 1,252.8 feet above sea level. Reclamation expects the water to reach the summer elevation of 1,280 feet or above by mid to late June.

Recorded information on the lake level is available at (800) 824-4916. Recorded information on the level and visiting Grand Coulee Dam and Lake Roosevelt is available by calling (509) 633-3838.

Since changes in water elevation can occur rapidly, Reclamation is advising boaters and campers to use caution when securing water craft to the shore or placing camping equipment near the water line.

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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.