News Release Archive

Boise River flows set to increase

Media Contact: Gina Baltrusch, (509) 527-7018, gina.c.baltrusch@usace.army.mil
Michael Coffey, mcoffey@usbr.gov

For Release: March 19, 2018

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Reclamation are increasing flows through town from approximately 240 to 1,750 cubic-feet-per-second, beginning March 21, 2018. The flow through town will be increased 500 cubic-feet-per-second each day over three days starting on March 21, 2018, and ending on March 23, 2018. This increase in flows is due the current snowpack in the basin as well as good reservoir carryover from the 2017 season. These releases will help reduce the risk of flooding later in the spring, which can happen with rapidly melting snow and seasonal precipitation.

Currently, the Boise River reservoirs are at approximately 82 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.

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

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.

# # #

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.