News Release Archive

Flows Increasing from Reclamation Dams on the Snake River

Media Contact: Annette Ross, (208) 378-5322, 02/23/2017 15:37
Corey Loveland, cloveland@usbr.gov

For Release: February 23, 2017

HEYBURN, Idaho – The Bureau of Reclamation will increase flows in the Snake River below Palisades Dam from the current flow of 3,300 cubic-feet-per-second to approximately 6,450 cfs on Feb. 27. Discharges from American Falls and Minidoka dams will also be increased to approximately 3,300 cfs on Feb. 27.

The Upper Snake reservoirs are at approximately 68 percent of capacity. Further increases are expected through the month of March as the snowpack in the Upper Snake River Basin continues to accumulate, and more reservoir space is needed to capture expected high spring runoff.

"It is important that the public is aware of and prepare for high flows throughout late winter and spring," said Corey Loveland, water operations manager of Reclamation’s Upper Snake Field Office. "The river can be dangerous at these flows and we encourage people to use caution when recreating on or near the river."

Current river and reservoir data are available at: https://www.usbr.gov/pn/hydromet/uppersnake/.

The dams, which are operated by Reclamation’s Upper Snake Field Office, are located on the Snake River in south central Idaho.

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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/uppersnake/