News Release Archive

Reclamation Preparing for Run-Off across Fry-Ark

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 working to balance anticipated inflow with reservoir storage across the Fryingpan-Arkansas Project as it prepares for spring melt season.

Currently, snow pack above Ruedi Reservoir in the Fryingpan River Basin is around 170% of average. We are currently releasing approximately 340 cfs from Ruedi down the lower Fryingpan River in order to make room for incoming snow melt.

The volume of a cubic foot per second is roughly that of a basketball.

Earlier this week, we bumped up releases from the Fryingpan-Arkansas Project to the Arkansas River above Buenea Vista to around 300 cfs. As we continue to operate the project in anticipation of run-off, we are also working to maintain flows in the river for the Voluntary Flow Program that benefits both fishing and white water activities. We have worked to maintain a flow at the Wellsville gage that is below the high mark typical of this time of year, benefitting the fly hatch.

Pueblo Reservoir reached its high water elevation mark in April. The Army Corps of Engineers issued a waiver allowing temporary storage in the flood control pool at Pueblo until May 15. Normally, water storage in the flood pool ends April 15. Pueblo Reservoir is the only reservoir under Reclamation's Eastern Colorado Area Office authorized for flood control.

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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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:

Eastern Colorado Area Office Home Page