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Reclamation Preparing for Run-Off Across C-BT
Media Contact:
Kara Lamb, (970) 962-4326, klamb@usbr.gov
Tyler Johnson, tjohnson@usbr.gov
For Release: May 05, 2011
It has been more than a decade since snow pack levels have been as high as they are today. In response to the anticipated snow pack run-off, Reclamation is making pre-emptive releases from its project reservoirs along the Colorado-Big Thompson Project and preparing for the spring melt season.
Currently, snow pack above Lake Granby reservoir near Granby, Colorado is around 226% of average. Reclamation, together with operating partner Northern Water, is making pre-emptive releases from the reservoir of around 430 cubic feet per second. It is anticipated that when snow melt run-off peaks, releases could be 2000 cfs.
The volume of a cubic foot per second is roughly that of a basketball.
Willow Creek Reservoir, which normally pumps water up to Lake Granby, is also anticipated to have high releases around 1100 cfs. Currently, the reservoir is drawn down to dead storage in order to make room for melting snow.
Snow pack above Lake Estes and the Town of Estes Park is currently around 155% of average. Using the Colorado-Big Thompson Project, Reclamation can move some water from Lake Estes through its southern power generation arm. The remainder of snow melt inflow down the Big Thompson to Lake Estes will be passed through Olympus Dam to the Big Thompson Canyon. Those releases are currently estimated to be as high as 1100 cfs.
Reclamation has information on run-off projections available on line at http://www.usbr.gov/gp/hydromet/curres_google.htm?lat=39.0959&lng=-105.5313&zoom=7 and www.usbr.gov/gp/ecao.
For other related questions, please contact Kara Lamb, public information, at (970) 962-4326 or klamb@usbr.gov.
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