Bureau of Reclamation News: Boise River Flow to Increase

Pacific Northwest Region
Boise, Idaho

Media Contact:

Rick Wells
(208) 334-1461

Released On: June 10, 2003

Boise River Flow to Increase

The Bureau of Reclamation and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will increase releases from Lucky Peak Reservoir beginning Tuesday, June 10, 2003. The current release is 4,100 cubic feet per second (cfs) resulting in a downstream flow rate at the Glenwood Bridge gaging station of about 1,000 cfs.

The release rate will be increased 500 cfs on Tuesday and an additional 500 cfs on Wednesday. A third increase of 500 cfs is possible on Thursday.

High temperatures have sustained rapid snow melt rates and Arrowrock and Lucky Peak reservoirs are nearly full, requiring an increase in water releases. Anderson Ranch Reservoir on the South Fork of the Boise River is maintaining a seasonal minimum release of 600 cfs and is storing about one-third of the total runoff of the watershed. Anderson Ranch Reservoir is expected to fill later in the month.

The resulting stream flow rate of 2,000 to 2,500 cfs passing Glenwood Bridge is a moderate flow for this time of year. However, it is higher than seen in several years due to drought conditions the last few years. A stream flow rate in excess of 1,500 cfs referenced at the Glenwood Bridge is generally considered unsuitable for river recreation by the general public.

These higher flows are expected to be of short duration and the release rate will probably be decreased in a week to ten days.

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Reclamation is the largest wholesale water supplier and the second largest producer of hydroelectric power in the United States, with operations and facilities in the 17 Western States. Its facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation, and fish and wildlife benefits. Visit our website at www.usbr.gov.