News Release Archive

Reclamation Announces Jackson Lake Operations Meeting in Wyoming

Media Contact: John Redding, (208) 378-5212, 05/06/2005 20:45
Mike Beus, mbeus@pn.usbr.gov

For Release: May 06, 2005

The Bureau of Reclamation will host a public meeting in Jackson, Wyoming, on May 19, to present streamflow forecasts and projected reservoir operations for Jackson Lake and Reclamation's Minidoka Project.

Date: May 19, 2005

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Location:

Grand Room Snow King Resort 400 East Snow King Avenue Jackson, Wyoming

Winter precipitation in the upper Snake River will result in 6 consecutive years of below average streamflow into Jackson Lake.

"Jackson Lake has not been full since 2000 and boating access was significantly impacted last year because of accumulated impacts on the upper Snake storage system", said Mike Beus, Reclamation hydraulic engineer.

Spring rain has resulted in later start dates and reduced diversion rates for downstream irrigators but watershed conditions have shown little improvement and 2005 reservoir levels are expected to be close to last year's condition through the summer.

Streamflows below Jackson Lake Dam were modified in 2004 in an attempt to achieve a more natural flow regime. Reclamation will continue to work with Grand Teton National Park and the Wyoming Department of Game and Fish to provide reservoir release schedules that are more consistent with nature. Increased releases from the dam to coincide with peak inflow are expected to be of shorter duration and have less affect on summer flows than those carried out in 2004. All river users interested in the operations of Jackson Lake and the resulting flows downstream are invited to attend. The public will have an opportunity to ask questions about drought management, projected river flows, projected lake levels and the operations of other upper Snake River facilities.

The meeting facility is accessible to people with disabilities. Please contact Jean Wise (208 678-0461, extension 17) at the Snake River Area Office, Burley, Idaho, if you need sign language interpretation for the hearing impaired or other auxiliary aids.

More information regarding Bureau of Reclamation programs can be found on the Pacific Northwest Region's Internet Homepage at: www.usbr.gov/pn. For current streamflows and reservoir elevations, click on the HydroMet link.

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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.