News Release Archive

Yakima Project “Flip-Flop” Operations Underway

Media Contact: Michael Williamson, (208) 378-5212, mwilliamson@usbr.gov
Chuck Garner, cgarner@usbr.gov

For Release: August 26, 2016

YAKIMA, Washington - The Bureau of Reclamation announced that it will begin 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 6, 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 Sept. 6 until about Oct. 21. Recreationists are strongly advised, for their safety and well-being, to portage around the buoys and to stay out of the dangerously turbulent flows.

“Those who are enjoying the river should definitely avoid the dangerous turbulent water in the area where the spillway water pours into the river,” said Chuck Garner, Yakima Project River Operations supervisor.

Flows out of Cle Elum Reservoir have been gradually decreasing since Aug. 20 from a high of 2,870 cfs and will continue to decline to a low of about 220 cfs in mid-September. Flows from Rimrock Reservoir are expected to be in the 900 to 1,200 cfs range by Sept. 1 and increase to between 2,000 and 2,500 cfs by mid to late 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