Bureau of Reclamation News: RECLAMATION TO INCREASE OUTFLOW FROM SHASTA DAM

Mid-Pacific Region
Sacramento, Calif.

Media Contact:

Jeffrey McCracken
916-978-5100

Released On: April 28, 2003

RECLAMATION TO INCREASE OUTFLOW FROM SHASTA DAM

Reclamation later today will increase flows out of Shasta Dam to reduce the rate at which Lake Shasta is filling. Continued wet weather and high inflows into Lake Shasta require outflow to be ramped up to about 30,000 cubic feet per second (cfs). The lake is currently about 98 percent full.

Outflow from Keswick Dam, just downstream from Shasta Dam, was reduced early this afternoon from 14,000 to 6,000 cfs to allow the Anderson-Cottonwood Irrigation District to make adjustments to its diversion dam on the Sacramento River to allow for the higher flows out of Lake Shasta.

The increased flows are expected to last for approximately the next week to allow enough water to be drawn out of Lake Shasta to make room for additional inflow. Due to the increased flows of the Sacramento River, people downstream should keep aware of ongoing changes. Flows could fluctuate with the possibility of additional storm activity.

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

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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.