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- Reclamation Schedules Flushing Flows in the Wind and Big Horn Rivers Downstream of Boysen Dam
News Release Archive
Reclamation Schedules Flushing Flows in the Wind and Big Horn Rivers Downstream of Boysen Dam
Media Contact:
Carlie Ronca, (307) 261-5671, cronca@usbr.gov
For Release: March 15, 2017
MILLS, Wyo. -- The Bureau of Reclamation, at the request of, and in collaboration with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGF), has scheduled a flushing flow in the Wind and Big Horn Rivers downstream of Boysen Dam.
"The Bureau of Reclamation is able to retime operations and provide the flushing flow due to the above average anticipated inflows to Boysen Reservoir, and the expectation of needing to pass excess water this spring," said Wyoming Area Manager, Carlie Ronca. "The flush will be accomplished without adversely impacting overall power generation at Boysen Power plant or the expected water supply for irrigation."
Flows in the river below Boysen Dam will fluctuate from 2,000 cfs to 5,000 cfs during the flushing flow. On March 28 at 2:00 a.m., the release of water from Boysen Dam will be increased to 3,000 cfs, and further increased to 5,000 cfs at approximately 7:00 a.m. for 10 hours before being reduced gradually back to 2,000 cfs at approximately midnight. The schedule may be modified depending on river ice conditions.
The purpose of the flushing flow is to clean the spawning gravels of fine sediment that has accumulated over the winter which is expected to improve trout reproduction in the river.
The public is urged to use extreme caution during this period of rapid fluctuation of flows below Boysen Dam.
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