News Release Archive

Reclamation Announces Changes in Yellowtail Dam Releases

Media Contact: Paula A. Holwegner , 406-247-7300, 06/15/2007 21:24
Mark Andersen, 406-247-7610, mandersen@gp.usbr.gov

For Release: June 15, 2007

With Yellowtail Reservoir approaching full conservation pool (elevation 3640 feet), the Bureau of Reclamation will be modulating releases from Yellowtail Dam to the Bighorn River over the next couple of weeks. Releases will be increased to 1,750 cubic feet per second (cfs) late Friday, June 15, and further adjustments may occur during the following weeks, depending upon climatic conditions and actual inflows.

"Favorable conditions in May and early June, combined with our concerted efforts to conserve storage, have enabled us to be in a position where we can begin considering increasing releases without fear of seriously jeopardizing our ability to provide some flexibility in our fall and winter operations," said Dan Jewell, Area Manager of Reclamation's Montana Area Office. "Whether or not we will be able to maintain releases above 1,500 cfs throughout the summer remains to be seen," Jewell added. "We will be watching things very closely during the next few weeks and we will be making adjustments to our releases that are consistent with our multiple-use objectives for Yellowtail."

Reclamation will continue to work collaboratively with interested parties and stakeholders to address comprehensive resource issues associated with Yellowtail Dam and Reservoir through the Bighorn River System Long Term Issues Group.

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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:

Yellowtail Operating Plans

Montana Area Office Homepage