News Release Archive

Yakima Project "Flip-Flop" Operation Underway

Media Contact: Annette Ross, (208) 401-4942, 08/22/2014 13:15
Chuck Garner, cgarner@usbr.gov

For Release: August 22, 2014

YAKIMA, Wash. - The Bureau of Reclamation announced that it has begun the annual "flip-flop" operation in the Yakima Basin by gradually reducing flows out of Cle Elum Reservoir in the upper Yakima River basin and increasing flows from Rimrock Reservoir affecting flows in the Tieton and Naches Rivers.

The purpose of the "flip-flop" operation is to achieve and maintain relatively low flows in the upper Yakima, Cle Elum, and Bumping rivers where the spring Chinook salmon spawn. These lower flows are closer to the natural flow conditions and are therefore more helpful to successful spawning and incubation of the salmon eggs. This operation also reduces impacts on irrigation water supply by allowing for lower flow releases throughout the winter to improve reservoir storage for the coming season.

As part of the process, on or about September 4, Reclamation will begin to divert water down the Kittitas Reclamation District's Spillway 1146 into the Yakima River near Thorp. Reclamation will install buoys that will be in place from September 2 until about October 21. Recreationists are advised, for their safety, to portage around the buoys and to stay out of the turbulent flows.

"We want to make sure that those who are enjoying the river avoid the turbulent water where the spillway pours into the river," said Chuck Garner, Yakima Project River Operations supervisor.

Flows out of Cle Elum Reservoir have been gradually decreasing since August 1 from a high of about 3,800 cfs, and will continue to decline to a low of about 220 cfs by about September 10 to 15. Flows from Rimrock Reservoir are expected to be in the 1,200 to 1,500 cfs range by September 1 and increase to about 2,200 cfs by mid-September depending on irrigation demands and weather conditions.

Streamflow changes will occur gradually during the Labor Day holiday weekend. Streamflow information can be obtained by calling (509) 575-5854 or on Reclamation's website at: http://www.usbr.gov/pn/hydromet/yakima/index.html .

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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:

http://www.usbr.gov/pn/hydromet/yakima/index.html