News Release Archive

Maintenance Requires Drawdown of Black Canyon Reservoir

Media Contact: Annette Ross, (208) 378-5322, 12/01/2017 10:45

For Release: December 01, 2017

EMMETT, Idaho – The Bureau of Reclamation is lowering Black Canyon Reservoir to perform repairs identified during routine, scheduled maintenance. The target pool elevation is 2,470 feet, 28 feet below the normal pool elevation of 2,498 feet.

Precipitation and runoff over the next few days will influence when the water level reaches the target elevation. Following completion of maintenance and repair work, Reclamation will increase the pool elevation back to normal levels. The timeline is dependent on weather conditions and the extent of needed repairs.

“The post-irrigation season is an important time of year for Reclamation and irrigation districts to perform maintenance activities,” said Vicki Hoffman, Middle Snake Field Office Operations and Maintenance Program Manager. “We want to remind folks to be aware of changing river flows downstream of the dam and to be cautious around the reservoir edge and riverbanks since they may be unstable and pose safety hazards to people and pets.”

Black Canyon Diversion Dam is located on the Payette River about five miles northeast of Emmett, Idaho. It was completed in 1924 and is a multipurpose facility that provides irrigation water and hydropower.

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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.