News Release Archive

Boise River Flows Increasing to 8,800 cfs

Media Contact: Annette Ross, (208) 378-5322, aross@usbr.gov
Gina Baltrusch, gina.c.baltrusch@usace.army.mil

For Release: April 20, 2017

BOISE, Idaho – The Bureau of Reclamation and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will increase flows from Lucky Peak Dam Friday, April 21 due to a continued wet pattern forecasted for the Boise River drainage. An extremely large mountain snowpack and continued above-normal precipitation have resulted in significantly less flood control space in the Boise River reservoirs than is required. Irrigation demand has also been slow to start with the wet and cool conditions in the Treasure Valley.

Flows through the City of Boise will increase 250 cubic-feet-per-second (cfs) from the current flow of 8,550 cfs to approximately 8,800 cfs on Friday, April 21. The adjustments in releases from the reservoir system are necessary to help reduce the risk of more severe flooding later in the spring, which can happen with rapidly melting snow and seasonal precipitation.

A flow rate of 7,000 cfs is considered flood-stage level at the Glenwood Bridge gauge on the Boise River. At 8,800 cfs, additional sections of the Boise Greenbelt adjacent to the river will be submerged, and erosion of river banks will continue to be a significant problem. Minor flooding will continue to occur on sections of Eagle Island and in other low spots near the river. Some roads in low-lying areas may experience flooding. Some homes and businesses may experience water in their basements due to subterranean water level increases. Floating debris could become a problem if large quantities collect on bridges and impact river flows.

Local emergency management officials strongly advise staying away from the river shoreline and areas posted as closed to the public.

Boise River reservoirs are at approximately 68 percent of capacity. More flow increases are possible in the coming weeks, depending on weather conditions.

For real-time Boise River flows at Reclamation facilities in the Pacific Northwest Region, visit http://www.usbr.gov/pn/hydromet/rtindex/boise.html.

Reclamation is the largest wholesale water supplier in the United States, and the nation’s second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Its facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation, and fish and wildlife benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR.

The Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Reclamation operate three dams on the Boise River as a system to manage flood control and irrigation storage needs — Lucky Peak Dam, Arrowrock Dam and Anderson Ranch Dam. Storage capacity provided by Reclamation’s Arrowrock and Anderson Ranch dams, and the Corps’ Lucky Peak Dam, combined with well-planned water releases, help manage Boise River flows through the city of Boise.

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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/rtindex/boise.html