News Release Archive

Reclamation Announces Fall/Winter Operating Plan for Yellowtail Dam

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

For Release: October 10, 2007

The Bureau of Reclamation plans to release 1,900 cubic feet per second (cfs) from Yellowtail Dam to the Bighorn River through the fall and winter months, according to Dan Jewell, Area Manager of Reclamation's Montana Area Office. "Inflows to Yellowtail Reservoir (Bighorn Lake) continue to be well-below average. However, because of our efforts to conserve storage this past year, we are in a much better position compared to last October," Jewell noted. "If our inflow projections hold up, we can maintain 1,900 cfs through March and still have sufficient storage to meet our operational objectives this coming spring and summer. However, we will continue to monitor actual conditions and make adjustments to our releases should it become necessary. Updates to the operations plan can be accessed through our website at www.usbr.gov/gp/mtao."

Reclamation wishes to thank all those who commented on the fall/winter operations plan. We 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 Working Group and other public outreach avenues.

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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