News Release Archive

Yakima Project "Flip-Flop" Operation to Begin

Media Contact: John Redding, (208) 378-5212, Chris Lynch

For Release: August 30, 2005

The Bureau of Reclamation announced that on September 1, it will begin the annual "flip-flop" operation in the Yakima Basin by reducing flows in the upper arm of the Yakima River and increasing flows in the Naches River with water releases from Rimrock Reservoir.

The purpose of the "flip-flop" operation is to encourage spring Chinook salmon to spawn at relatively low flows so that less water is required during the winter to keep the egg nests, also known as redds, covered. This water operation also reduces impacts on irrigation water supply during the next season.

On September 6, Reclamation will begin to route water down the Kittitas Reclamation District's Waste Way 1146 into the Yakima River near Thorp, Washington.

Reclamation will install buoys around the area where the waste way flow impacts the Yakima River. The buoy system will remain in place for the duration of "flip-flop," which should last approximately 45 days. The floating buoys, about the size of 30-gallon drums, serve as a warning to recreationists to stay out of the turbulent flows.

Flows out of Cle Elum Reservoir are expected to gradually decrease from 1,000 cubic-feet-per-second to 230 cfs around September 15. Flows from Rimrock Reservoir are expected to increase from 1,000 cfs to 1,500 cfs by September 7, and could possibly reach above 2,200 cfs in mid-September, depending upon irrigation demands and weather conditions.

Stream flow changes will continue during the Labor Day holiday. Streamflow information can be obtained by calling (509) 575-5854 or on the internet at: http://www.usbr.gov/pn/hydromet/yakima/index.html.

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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.