News Release Archive

Snake River Flows to Peak this Week

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

For Release: May 21, 2007

The Bureau of Reclamation will increase flows in the Snake River below Palisades Dam this week to 19,000 cubic-feet- per-second (cfs). This is an increase from 13,000 cfs. Flows downstream at Heise, Idaho, are expected to reach about 20,000 cfs.

The early snowmelt indicates the need to provide a springtime flow regime that favors native Yellowstone cutthroat trout somewhat earlier than in recent years. The natural flow at Heise reached its peak on May 14.

Actual flow will reach the maximum rate on May 25, and reductions of five percent of total flow each day will begin on May 26. The flow will drop below 15,000 cfs on May 30, and reach the flow rate required to fulfill irrigation diversions on June 2.

This is the fourth year that Reclamation has implemented flow recommendations resulting from recent research that shows favorable impacts to native fish populations.

When a statistical analysis of historical fish populations validated findings from a South Fork ecological analysis, we started looking for opportunities to improve ecological conditions while supporting Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout," said Chris Jansen Lute, Reclamation, Resource and Technical Services Deputy Manager.

These water releases will not adversely affect Reclamation's ability to meet its obligation to reservoir spaceholders. In the upper Snake, water can be easily exchanged between reservoirs since there is plenty of space in American Falls Reservoir to re-regulate the water and deliver it to its intended canals.

Reclamation is also reminding people to take the appropriate safety precautions if near the river during this high flow period.

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