- Reclamation
- News & Multimedia
- News Releases
- News Release Archive
- Reclamation Announces Reservoir Information
News Release Archive
Reclamation Announces Reservoir Information
Media Contact:
Paula Holwegner, (406) 247-7300, 05/19/2008 06:00
Mark Andersen, mandersen@gp.usbr.gov
For Release: May 19, 2008
According to Dan Jewell, Area Manager for Reclamation's Montana Area Office, water levels at most Reclamation-managed reservoirs in Montana are below average for this time of year. "The snowmelt runoff has been slow to start because of relatively cool temperatures this spring. At the same time, the snowpack still remains near average in all basins," Jewell said. "We will continue to closely monitor the water supply conditions for our reservoirs."
"Due to the low inflows and below average lake levels, some boat ramps may not be usable at certain 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 40 percent of average for this time of year. The reservoir level is about 11 feet below the top of the joint-use pool and approximately 1 foot lower than at this time last year. The boat ramp at Beaverhead Campground is usable.
Canyon Ferry Reservoir - Inflows to Canyon Ferry are near normal for this time of year. The reservoir level is about 12 feet below the top of the joint-use pool and approximately 6 feet lower than at this time last year. Releases from Canyon Ferry to the Missouri River are about 5,000 cubic feet per second (cfs). Boaters will be able to launch at all ramp locations around Canyon Ferry during the Memorial Day weekend.
Gibson Reservoir - Inflows to Gibson Reservoir are about 185 percent of average for this time of year. The reservoir level is currently at elevation 4680, about 44 feet below the top of the conservation pool and 43 feet lower than at this time last year. However, based on the current water supply outlook, it is expected Gibson Reservoir will fill to the top of the conservation pool by early to mid-June. Inflows to Gibson Reservoir are being closely monitored and releases to the Sun River may fluctuate once the reservoir level reaches elevation 4712. 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 16 feet below the top of the joint-use pool and approximately 3 feet lower than at this time last year. The reservoir is expected to slowly fill as releases to the Marias River are maintained at 400 cfs. Boaters should be able to launch at both the VFW and Tiber Marina 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 870 cfs. The water level in Fresno Reservoir is 13 feet below the top of the conservation pool and 13 feet lower than at this time last year. Storage in Nelson Reservoir is about 79 percent of average, and without normal spring and summer precipitation, Milk River Project water users could experience minor water shortages this year.
Bighorn Lake (Yellowtail Dam) - The reservoir level is about 30 feet below full pool and approximately 11 feet lower 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. Water conditions are suitable for boat launching at Barrys Landing and Ok-A-Beh. The lake levels need to rise several feet before boats can be safely launched at Horseshoe Bend. Please contact the National Park Service, Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area for specific information regarding boat launching conditions at Bighorn Lake.
# # #
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:
