News Release Archive

Boise River Flows Set to Increase

Media Contact: John Redding, (208) 378-5212, jredding@pn.usbr.gov
Brian Sauer, bsauer@pn.usbr.gov

For Release: May 13, 2009

The Bureau of Reclamation and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will increase flows along the Boise River from 500 cubic feet per second (cfs) daily beginning May 13 in order to prepare for the spring runoff period.

Flows from Lucky Peak Dam will gradually bring river flows to between 2,200 to 2,500 cfs at the Glenwood Bridge by the end of the week. Hydrologists are also anticipating that flows could increase further next week if temperatures continue to rise.

Reclamation is coordinating flows with the Corps, which owns and operates Lucky Peak Dam. Increasing river flows is necessary to make room in the reservoir system for melting snowpack.

Streamflow rates at the Glenwood Bridge gauging station of 1,500 cfs or higher are not considered suitable for river recreation. A flow rate of 7,000 cfs is considered flood-stage level at the Glenwood Bridge gauge.

Reclamation and the Corps discourage river recreation at this time because of cold water temperatures, higher flow velocities and brush along the river banks which pose a serious safety hazard.

Flows in area irrigation canals are also expected to run fast, and higher flows can saturate earthen banks, creating unstable walking surfaces. Water-soaked banks can slough off into the flowing water under the weight of people standing too close to the edge of the canals. Children should be under direct adult supervision at all times near rivers and irrigation canals.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District, is a full-service, civil works organization, accountable and responsible to the Northwestern Division for the efficient execution of its assigned programs. A full range of civil functions is provided to our customers, and the District is prepared to accept the challenges of any additional program in times of war, peace, natural disaster, or national emergency. Included in the Walla Walla District mission are the functions of planning, engineering, and constructing water resources projects, real estate, regulatory functions, operation and maintenance of projects for navigation, flood control, hydroelectric power generation, recreation and natural resources management, environmental statutes, and vital administrative activities. As the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers interacts with the region, the Walla Walla District maintains and promotes the public image of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as a prudent, efficient, and environmentally conscientious planner, builder and manager of water resources projects. Visit our Website at www.nww.usace.army.mil

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