News Release Archive

Boise River Flow to Increase

Media Contact: John Redding, (208) 378-5212, jredding@pn.usbr.gov
Brian Sauer, bsauer@pn.usbr.gov

For Release: February 01, 2006

The Bureau of Reclamation and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are urging the public to be cautious around the Boise River as flood control operations remain in effect through February 7.

The flood control releases that started on January 25 will increase about 500 cfs daily until it reaches about 4,000 cfs on February 7. The releases minimize the risk of flooding in the spring, which can occur with rapidly melting snow and precipitation. Heavy snowpack levels in the Boise River basin are presently estimated at about 140 percent of average.

"The public should be aware of the danger associated with these increased flows," said Brian Sauer, Acting Water Operations Manager. "The water is deep, velocities are high, and water temperatures are very cold. Extreme caution should be used when near river banks."

Current water storage in Boise River reservoirs is near 50 percent of capacity and the projected runoff for April through July is expected to be close to 130 percent of average. A full supply of water for irrigation is anticipated.

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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.