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News Release Archive
Reclamation Announces Reservoir Information
Media Contact:
Paula A. Holwegner, (406) 247-7300, pholwegner@usbr.gov
Tyler Johnson, tjohnson@usbr.gov
For Release: May 24, 2010
"Water levels at most Reclamation-managed reservoirs in Montana are near average for this time of year," said Dan Jewell, Montana Area Office Manager. "Weather conditions so far this spring have been cool and wet, and much of the high elevation snow has just started to melt. Overall, water supplies for the Reclamation projects in eastern Montana look quite favorable," added Jewell.
"Most boat ramps should be usable at Reclamation reservoirs east of the continental divide throughout the Memorial Day weekend," Jewell stated. "As always, we strongly encourage recreationists to check ahead for the most up-to-date information on reservoir status at Reclamation's website http://www.usbr.gov/gp/lakes_reservoirs/montana_lakes.htm," Jewell added.
Current conditions at Reclamation facilities include:
Clark Canyon Reservoir - The reservoir level is about half a foot from full and approximately 3.4 feet higher than at this time last year. The boat ramp at Beaverhead Campground and marina area are both usable.
Canyon Ferry Reservoir - The reservoir level is about 8 feet from full and approximately 3.7 feet higher than at this time last year. Releases from Canyon Ferry to the Missouri River are about 3,500 cubic feet per second (cfs). Boaters should be able to launch at all ramp locations during the Memorial Day weekend.
Gibson Reservoir - The reservoir level is about 20 feet from full and approximately 6 feet lower than at this time last year. Inflows to Gibson Reservoir are being closely monitored and releases to the Sun River may fluctuate over the next several days as the snowmelt runoff begins. Recreationists and water users along the Sun River should pay particular attention to potentially large fluctuations in river levels.
Lake Elwell (Tiber Reservoir) - The reservoir level is about 11 feet from full and approximately 3 feet lower than at this time last year. Releases to the Marias River are currently being maintained at 400 cfs as the reservoir slowly fills. Boaters should be able to launch at most ramp locations during the Memorial Day weekend.
Milk River Project (Fresno & Nelson) - The water level in Fresno Reservoir is about 1.5 feet above the top of the conservation pool and releases to the Milk River are being made through the spillway at a rate of approximately 1,400 cfs. The water level in Nelson Reservoir is about half a foot from full. Accordingly, no water shortages are expected for Milk River Project water users this season. Boaters should be able to launch at all locations around Fresno and Nelson Reservoirs during the Memorial Day weekend.
Bighorn Lake (Yellowtail Dam) - The reservoir level is about 10 feet from full pool and approximately 9.5 feet higher than at this time last year. Releases to the Bighorn River will likely be at or above 6,500 cfs throughout the Memorial Day weekend to control the reservoir rate of fill. Boaters should be able to launch at all ramp locations around Bighorn Lake over the Memorial Day weekend.
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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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