News Release Archive

Notice Of Winter Reservoir Operations

Media Contact: Jeffrey McCracken, 916-978-5100, JMCCRACKEN@mp.usbr.gov

For Release: November 09, 2004

The Bureau of Reclamation has begun standard fall/winter reservoir operations by slowly ramping down releases at Central Valley Project (CVP) dams. This means that outside of periods of rainfall and/or flood control operations, the Sacramento River will drop to typical winter baseline levels.

Natural winter runoff or flood control operations may still create substantial flow fluctuations. Once these flow surges have passed through the system, the rivers may drop sharply. Boaters need to be aware that rocks and obstacles may appear where safe passage or anchorage was possible just hours before. While fall/winter baseline flows are generally consistent from year to year, these flow fluctuations sometimes create the illusion that the rivers are lower than had been typical in the past.

It is important for boaters and recreationists to be aware of current and changing river conditions. To receive additional reservoir operations information for Reclamation's key CVP facilities, please visit Reclamation's Web site at: http://www.usbr.gov/mp/cvo/Current.html, or call the "Grapevine" to hear the latest reservoir operations at 1-800-742-9474, press 1 and choose an option from the list of facilities information.

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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:

CVP Reservoir Operations Information