News Release Archive

Yakima Project "Flip-Flop" Operation to Begin

Media Contact: John Redding, (208) 378-5212, jredding@usbr.gov
Chuck Garner, cgarner@usbr.gov

For Release: August 25, 2009

The Bureau of Reclamation announced that it has begun the annual flip-flop operation in the Yakima Basin by gradually reducing flows in the upper arm of the Yakima River and increasing flows in the Naches River with increased water releases from Rimrock Reservoir.

"We are starting the flip-flop operation earlier this year to make it more of a gradual transition than in the past," said Chuck Garner. "The transition will get the river flows to the same mid-September levels as in the past, but we are taking a slower approach this year."

The purpose of the "flip-flop" operation is to encourage spring Chinook salmon to spawn at relatively low flows in the upper Yakima River and the Bumping River so that less water is required during the winter to keep the egg nests covered. This water operation also reduces impacts on irrigation water supply during the next season.

The September 8 operation involves routing water down the Kittitas Reclamation District's Spill Way 1146 into the Yakima River near Thorp, Wash.

Reclamation will install buoys that will be in place from September 8 until about October 20. The buoys serve as a warning to recreationists to stay out of the turbulent flows. It is recommended that recreationists portage around this area.

Flows out of Cle Elum Reservoir will gradually decrease from the current flow down to between 200 to 250 cfs by about September 15 or sooner. Flows from Rimrock Reservoir are expected to increase from the current flow to near 2,000 cfs by mid-September and could possibly reach 2,200 to 2,400 cfs, depending upon irrigation demands and weather conditions. Flows could exceed 1,200 cfs by September 1, depending on irrigation demands and weather.

Stream flow changes will occur gradually during the Labor Day holiday weekend. Streamflow information can be obtained by calling (509) 575-5854 or on the internet at: http://www.usbr.gov/pn/hydromet/yakima/index.html.

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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:

http://www.usbr.gov/pn/hydromet/yakima/index.html