News Release Archive

Millerton Lake Operations - San Joaquin River Flow Increase

Higher than Normal Flows for this Time of Year

Media Contact: Jeffrey S. McCracken, 916-978-5100, jmccracken

For Release: May 13, 2005

The Bureau of Reclamation today increased releases from Friant Dam to the San Joaquin River from 2,500 cubic feet per second (cfs) to 4,000 cfs.

The last time releases from Friant Dam were as high as 4,000 cfs in mid-May was in the late 1990s when there were similar large snowpacks in the southern Sierra-Nevada Mountains. Last year on this date Reclamation was releasing 210 cfs to the river.

The increased releases will provide additional storage space at Millerton Lake to accommodate anticipated snow melt. Reclamation staff will continue to monitor the weather forecasts, hydrologic conditions, and adjust project operations based on the most current information.

Individuals planning activities along the San Joaquin River should be aware that flows will be higher than typical for this time of year.

For additional information please contact Mr. Antonio Buelna at Reclamation's South-Central California Area Office at 559-487-5116 (TDD 559-487-5933).

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