News Release Archive

Reclamation increasing releases into Sacramento River for storage management

Individuals downstream of Keswick Dam should take appropriate safety precautions

Media Contact: Christie Kalkowski, 916-978-5100, ckalkowski@usbr.gov

For Release: February 27, 2019

SHASTA LAKE, Calif. – The Bureau of Reclamation will incrementally increase releases below Keswick Dam from 7,000 cubic feet per second to 25,000 cfs by 2 p.m. on Feb. 28, and then up to 30,000 cfs on March 2.

Sacramento River levels are expected to increase downstream of Keswick Dam. Take appropriate safety precautions by avoiding the area. It is unsafe to walk or drive into or near flood waters.

The increased releases are necessary to meet flood space regulatory requirements within Shasta Reservoir. Depending on current conditions and inflow levels, operational adjustments will be made as necessary and may occur on short notice.

Midnight reservoir elevations and flows from Keswick Dam may be found at Reclamation’s Central Valley Operations Office website at https://www.usbr.gov/mp/cvo/vungvari/wtr_rpt.pdf.

Current Sacramento River conditions may be found at the Department of Water Resources’ California Data Exchange Center website at http://cdec.water.ca.gov/dynamicapp/QueryF?s=KES or by calling DWR Flood Operations Center at 916-574-2619.

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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.