Bureau of Reclamation News: Grassy Lake Reservoir to be Lowered for Spillway Repairs

Pacific Northwest Region
Boise, Idaho

Media Contact:

Diana Cross
(208) 378-5020

Released On: July 30, 2003

Grassy Lake Reservoir to be Lowered for Spillway Repairs

The Bureau of Reclamation will lower the reservoir level behind Grassy Lake Dam this month and maintain that level until safety of dams repairs on the structure's spillway can take place in July 2004.

The reservoir will be lowered to 7185 feet, about 10 feet below its normal winter elevation so that the irrigation district can use the water during this dry season. This level will be maintained until late 2004, when the lake will start to refill. The water level will be held at or below 7205 feet through the second year of construction.

The spillway repairs and replacement of drains in the dam are needed to correct severe safety deficiencies. Work on the project is expected to begin in the summer of 2004 and be completed in the fall of 2005.

Grassy Lake Dam is in the Targhee-Caribou National Forest and immediately adjacent to Yellowstone National Park. An Environmental Assessment and a Finding of No Significant Impact were issued in October 2002 that fully described the drawdown.

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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.