News Release Archive

Reclamation to Increase Flows at Palisades Dam in Idaho

Media Contact: John Redding, (208) 378-5212, jredding@usbr.gov
Ted Day, tday@usbr.gov

For Release: July 08, 2011

The Bureau of Reclamation announced today that flows will increase out of Palisades Dam tonight by 1,000 cubic-feet-per-second (cfs) bringing flows up to 24,000 cfs at the dam located on the Snake River about 70 miles east of Idaho Falls, Idaho.

Officials do not anticipate the increase to cause the Snake River at Heise to exceed flood stage, but are warning people to exercise caution while recreating on or near the Snake River.

"The increase is necessary due to sustained high inflows entering the system as the remaining snowpack melts," said Ted Day, Hydraulic Engineer. "We want people to know that they should be careful since the river is running fast and high."

Reclamation river managers advise that there is a possibility of higher flows over the next week, but that impacts should be limited and mainly occur in the reach between Palisades Dam and Heise.

People are advised to listen to weather reports or to track flow conditions on the National Weather Service Forecast Office website at http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/pih.

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