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Reclamation Announces Reservoir Information
Media Contact:
Paula A. Holwegner, (406) 247-7300, pholwegner@gp.usbr.gov
Mark Andersen, mandersen@gp.usbr.gov
For Release: May 22, 2007
According to Dan Jewell, Area Manager for Reclamation's Montana Area Office, water levels at most Reclamation-managed reservoirs in Montana are at or above average for this time of year. However, because the high elevation snow is melting out earlier than normal, water supplies for all Reclamation projects will continue to be closely monitored and managed. "We are concerned about early depletion of the snowpack in many areas and the subsequent potential for well-below average streamflows later in the summer," Jewell said.
"Boat ramps should be usable at all Reclamation reservoirs during the Memorial Day weekend," Jewell added. "As always, we strongly encourage recreationists to check for the most up-to-date information on boat ramp status at Reclamation's Web site at http://www.usbr.gov/gp/boat/index.cfm."
Current conditions at Reclamation facilities include:
Clark Canyon Reservoir - Inflows to the reservoir are about 10 percent of average for this time of year. The reservoir level is about 9 feet below the top of the joint-use pool and approximately 1 foot higher than this time last year. The boat ramp at Beaverhead Camp is usable.
Canyon Ferry Reservoir - Inflows to Canyon Ferry are above normal for this time of year. The reservoir level is about 6 feet below the top of the joint-use pool and approximately 12 feet higher than at this time last year. Releases from Canyon Ferry to the Missouri River are about 3,500 cubic feet per second (cfs). Boaters should be able to launch at all ramp locations around Canyon Ferry during the Memorial Day weekend.
Gibson Reservoir - Since April 1, the water level in Gibson has increased nearly 30 feet and is currently about 2 feet below the top of the conservation pool and about 2 feet higher than at this time last year. Inflows to Gibson Reservoir are being closely monitored and releases to the Sun River may fluctuate over the next several days. Recreationists and water users along the Sun River should pay particular attention to potentially large fluctuations in river levels.
Lake Elwell (Tiber Reservoir) - The water level is about 13 feet below the top of the joint-use pool and approximately 4 feet lower than at this time last year. The reservoir is expected to slowly fill as releases to the Marias River are being maintained at 500 cfs. Boaters should be able to launch at both the VFW and Tiber main ramps during the Memorial Day weekend.
Milk River Project (Fresno & Nelson) - In response to irrigation demands on the Milk River Project, releases from Fresno Dam to the Milk River are being maintained at about 600 cfs. The water level in Fresno Reservoir is at the top of the conservation pool which is normal for this time of year. Storage in Nelson Reservoir is about 129 percent of average, and at this time, no water shortages are expected for Milk River Project water users. Boaters should be able to launch at most ramp locations around Fresno and Nelson Reservoirs during the Memorial Day weekend.
Bighorn Lake (Yellowtail Dam) - The reservoir level is about 19 feet below the top of the joint-use pool and approximately 16 feet higher than at this time last year. Releases to meet downstream irrigation demands have begun and releases to the Bighorn River are being maintained at 1,500 cfs in an effort to further conserve storage. Boaters should be able to launch at most ramp locations around Bighorn Lake over the Memorial Day weekend.
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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.
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