News Release Archive

South Fork Boise River Flows Set to Increase

Media Contact: Annette Ross, (208) 378-5322, aross@usbr.gov
Brian Sauer, bsauer@usbr.gov

For Release: August 13, 2014

BOISE, Idaho - The Bureau of Reclamation will increase flows from Anderson Ranch Dam on the South Fork of the Boise River starting Monday, August 18 from 1700 cubic-feet-per-second to approximately 2400 cfs in the reach between Anderson Ranch Dam and Arrowrock Reservoir. Flows will increase about 400 cfs Monday and by another 300 cfs Tuesday. Flows will remain at these higher levels for approximately eight days, and return to 1700 cfs by August 29.

These higher flows will help restore habitat for bull trout and other fish species in river reaches below the dam that were damaged by debris and mudslides following wildfires in August 2013. Timing and duration of the higher flows were determined through a collaborative effort between biologists and managers from Reclamation, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, U.S. Forest Service, Trout Unlimited, and the University of Idaho.

"The river will be running faster than normal for this time of the year, and recent storms have deposited additional mud and debris in the canyon downstream of the dam," said Brian Sauer, Water Operations Manager. "Despite the hot temperatures, the water is still very cold. Please use caution when recreating on or near the river."

Anderson Ranch Dam is about 28 miles northeast of Mountain Home, Idaho.

For real-time Boise River flow information and water temperatures, visit Reclamation's Pacific Northwest Region Hydromet website: http://www.usbr.gov/pn/hydromet/ .

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Relevant Link:

http://www.usbr.gov/pn/hydromet/