EMMETT, Idaho - The Bureau of Reclamation resumed drafting the Black Canyon Reservoir to elevation 2440 feet to accommodate a field exploration program related to the proposed addition of a third hydroelectric generating unit at Black Canyon Diversion Dam. Field work was put on hold in December due to heavy rainfall. Reclamation officials anticipate the reaching the drawdown elevation by mid-February. This will give geologists and drill crew personnel safe access to collect the data. The field exploration work will take about two weeks to complete.

The field crews will focus on the area located immediately upstream from the north end of Black Canyon Diversion Dam. Normal reservoir operations will resume once the field explorations have been completed and prior to the start of the 2013 irrigation season. Maintenance personnel are taking advantage of the current drawdown to remove the accumulated debris from under the trash rack.

People in the area are advised to exercise caution along the riverbank as the reservoir is drawn down and more of the shoreline is exposed. The exposed banks are unstable and should be avoided.

For more information on the drawdown, please contact Powerplant Maintenance Supervisor Brent Jensen at the Black Canyon Facility Office, at (208) 365-2600 ext. 18.

Black Canyon Diversion Dam was constructed by Reclamation in 1924 as part of the Payette Division of the Boise Project. It is a multipurpose facility that provides water for irrigation, hydropower, and recreation. The dam is located on the Payette River, about 5 miles northeast of Emmett, Idaho.