News Release Archive

Snake River Flows to Peak this Week

Media Contact: John Redding, (208) 378-5212, jredding@pn.usbr.gov
Art Hill, ahill@pn.usbr.gov

For Release: May 28, 2008

The Bureau of Reclamation will increase flows in the Snake River below Palisades Dam this week to about 18,000 cubic feet per second (cfs). This is an increase from 11,200 cfs that prevailed over the Memorial Day weekend. Flows downstream at Heise, Idaho, are expected to reach about 20,000 cfs.

Cool temperatures until mid-May delayed snowmelt; however, flows responded dramatically to warmer weather from May 16 through May 20. Meanwhile, snowpack on the watershed above Palisades Dam remains a little above average and flood control criteria require that the rate of fill of Palisades Reservoir be slowed by releasing more of the inflow to the river downstream. This now allows the opportunity to provide an increased flow for fishery management.

The flow downstream of Palisades Dam was increased by 1,100 cfs last night and will increase by 10 percent of total flow each night until the maximum is reached on June 1 or 2.

The maximum flow may be adjusted depending on how temperature and precipitation affects the flows into the river reach between the dam and the Snake River near Heise, Idaho gage. The maximum flow will be sustained for at lease 36 hours, and may be held longer depending on inflow forecasts and flood control criteria. The duration of the maximum flow may be reduced if Henrys Fork flows increase, irrigation demands decrease, or total flow exceeds about 20,000 cfs below the Henrys Fork confluence near Menan, Idaho. The flow will be reduced at 5 percent per day or less, until it reaches the rate required to meet irrigation demands in mid-June.

This is the fifth year that Reclamation has implemented flow recommendations based on research that shows it has favorable impacts for native fish populations. High flows are possible within this time period when the natural snowmelt flows are high.

These water releases will not adversely affect Reclamation's ability to meet its water delivery obligations. American Falls Reservoir is expected to capture all of the water that is passed through Palisades Reservoir so it can be delivered for its intended purposes later this summer. Palisades Reservoir is expected to reach its full level by the end of June. Reclamation is also reminding people to take the appropriate safety precautions if near the river during this high flow period.

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