News Release Archive

Boise River Flows Set to Increase

Media Contact: Michael Coffey , (208) 378-5020, 02/10/2017 13:23
Gina Baltrusch , gina.c.baltrusch@usace.army.mil

For Release: February 10, 2017

The Bureau of Reclamation and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are increasing flows from Lucky Peak Dam because of above-normal winter precipitation in the Boise River drainage. Flows through the City of Boise will increase from the current flow of 240 cubic-feet-per-second (cfs) to approximately 750 cfs on Monday, February 13. Incremental increases are expected through the week, resulting in a flow on Friday, February 17 of approximately 2,000 cfs. These releases are necessary to help reduce the risk of flooding later in the spring, which can happen with rapidly melting snow and seasonal precipitation.

Boise River reservoirs are at approximately 53 percent of capacity. Additional flow increases are possible in the coming weeks, depending on weather conditions. A full supply of irrigation water is anticipated this summer.

Officials are advising the public to be aware of the danger associated with increased Boise River flows. The water is deep, cold, and fast, so extreme caution should be used near the river banks. People can view real-time data of flows at Reclamation facilities in the Pacific Northwest Region at https://www.usbr.gov/pn/hydromet/rtindex/boise.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:

https://www.usbr.gov/pn/hydromet/rtindex/boise.html