News Release Archive

Fish Movement Studies Beginning at Delta Cross Channel; Intermittent Gate Closures Start November 10, 2008

Media Contact: Michelle H. Light, (916) 978-5100, mlight@mp.usbr.gov

For Release: November 08, 2008

With the cooperation of the Bureau of Reclamation, the U.S. Geological Survey and the California Department of Water Resources will begin conducting studies at the Delta Cross Channel Gates on the Sacramento River near Walnut Grove to determine how to best operate the gates to protect both fish and water quality in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta. These studies are a continuation of studies held in 2000. The studies will begin on November 10, 2008, and continue through mid-February 2009.

  • The Cross Channel Gates November Operating Schedule follows:
  • November 10 Gates closed beginning at 7 a.m.
  • November 11 Gates closed continuously
  • November 12-28 Gates open daily at 8 a.m. and close at 3:45 p.m.
  • November 29-December 13 Gates open at 8 a.m. and remain open until December 13

The full December operating schedule will be posted before November 26, 2008. Gate operations take approximately 30 minutes to complete, so boats may be unable to pass through the gates until approximately 30 minutes after the scheduled opening time. Boat passage may be cut off approximately 30 minutes prior to the scheduled closing time.

Intermittent gate closures will be required through January 31, 2009, and will be followed by full closure of the gates in accordance with regulatory standards from February 1 through at least May 20 of each year.

The schedule of gate operations is posted at http://www.usbr.gov/mp/cvo/vungvari/dcc_chng.txt. This information is also accessible on the "Grapevine" at 800-742-9474; press "22" for gate status. The public is advised to check the gate operation schedule regularly since river conditions, Delta water quality, or experimental factors may require modification of the schedule.

For additional information, please contact Mr. Tom Morstein-Marx, Central Valley Operations Office, at 916-979-2196 (916-979-2494).

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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.

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