Due to increased late Spring inflow into Upper Klamath Lake, Reclamation is changing its forecast for the 2003 water year from a "dry" water year to a "below average" water year. The Project will now be operated to track Upper Klamath Lake elevation levels and Iron Gate Dam releases for a below average water year type as per the final Biological Assessment (BA).

As of June 1, 2003, the inflow to the lake exceeded the National Resources Conservation Service's April forecast of 290,000 acre-feet. The projected inflow for the remaining water year, added to the inflows already received, results in 324,700 acre-feet of total projected inflow. In addition, dam releases will include water from a 50,000 acre-foot water bank to bolster flows in the Klamath River in support of endangered and native fish species downstream.

For additional information, contact Reclamation's Public Affairs Office at 916-978-5100 (TDD 916-978-5608).