Newsroom Channel

Reclamation to Explain American Falls Reservoir Operations in Public Meeting

BURLEY, Idaho - The Bureau of Reclamation will host a public meeting on June 20 to explain how American Falls Reservoir operational decisions are made and to share projections of reservoir levels for the remainder of the 2013 recreation season.

The meeting will be held from 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. at the American Falls High School Auditorium, 2966 S. Frontage Road, American Falls, Idaho. People needing sign language interpretation or other accessible accommodations should contact Helene Tomaszewski at (208) 383-2217.

The meeting is held in response to requests from the City of American Falls, Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG), Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), and the communities of Chubbuck and Pocatello.

"We realize that people are concerned about the reservoir level for a variety of reasons," Mike Beus, Upper Snake Field Office hydrologist said. "And as we enter into a dry season, it's especially important that people have a basic understanding of how the reservoir is operated."

In 2007, Reclamation agreed to increase water quality monitoring and direct communications with DEQ when reservoir levels near 100,000 acre-feet or about 6 percent of its capacity. Last summer, the reservoir was held at 138,000 acre-feet which had a negative impact on recreation, but did not require increased water quality monitoring.

Reservoir levels this year are expected to be low mainly due to the lack of winter moisture and anticipated drawdowns to meet irrigation needs downstream. In addition to explaining reservoir operations, other topics at the meeting will include water quality, native fish, and the recreational impacts to the local economy.

For more information about the meeting contact Mike Beus, Reclamation hydrologist, at (208) 678-0461 (ext. 27).

Reclamation to Host Open House on Black Canyon Diversion Dam Hydropower Construction Project

EMMETT, Idaho - The Bureau of Reclamation will host a public open house on June 25 to inform people and seek public comment about plans to construct a third hydroelectric generator at Black Canyon Diversion Dam on the Payette River about 5 miles northeast of Emmett, Idaho.

The open house will be held 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. at Kenneth J. Carberry Intermediate School, 1950 E. 12th St., Emmett, Idaho. People needing sign language interpretation or other accessible accommodations should contact Helene Tomaszewski at (208) 383-2217.

"We are very interested in meeting with people to explain what will take place throughout the construction period and to listen to their concerns," Jerrold Gregg, Snake River Area manager, said.

After a brief presentation, people will be able to visit information stations where representatives will explain what will take place as construction moves forward. Topics at the information stations include:

Project scope and schedule
Environmental Assessment process
Water quality and fish impacts
Recreation

Plans call for constructing a 12.5 MW hydroelectric unit that will expand the production capacity of the two existing 5 MW units. The new unit will generate 105 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) - enough to power 9,359 homes a year.

The $53 million project is funded by the Bonneville Power Administration which markets hydroelectric power generated at Reclamation facilities in the Pacific Northwest. The project is expected to start in October 2014, and be completed in early 2017.

Black Canyon Diversion Dam was constructed 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.

Reclamation Selects New Manager for Bend Field Office

BEND, Ore. - The Bureau of Reclamation has selected Douglas DeFlitch to serve as the Bend Field Office Manager in Bend, Ore., where he will oversee the management and operation of Reclamation facilities in central and western Oregon.

DeFlitch's new assignment includes four Reclamation projects including the Crooked River, Deschutes, Rogue River and Tualatin Projects. Some of the major programs he will be involved in include the Rogue River Project Biological Opinion implementation, the development of the Deschutes Habitat Conservation Plan, and Scoggins Safety of Dams issues.

"Douglas' wealth of experience in water management and leadership will be a tremendous asset to this office," said Dawn Wiedmeier, Deputy Area Manager for Columbia-Cascades Area Office. "We look forward to having him join our team."

Prior to accepting the position, DeFlitch served as a Supervisory Hydrologist for Reclamation at the South Central California Area Office. He has been with Reclamation since 2006. Before his federal career, he was a Water Resources Specialist for the Friant Water Users Authority and Geologist for ENSR Corporation in Pittsburgh, PA.

DeFlitch holds both a bachelor's and a master's degree in Geology from the University of Pittsburgh and California State University, respectively. He is a recent graduate of the USDA Graduate School Executive Leadership Program. Douglas will begin his new position in Bend on June 17.

The Bend Field Office is located in central Oregon and is one of four field offices under the Columbia-Cascades Area Office headquartered in Yakima, Wash.

Reclamation Holds C.A.S.T. for Kids – Let’s Move Outside Event in Yakima

YAKIMA, Wash. - Children with a wide range of disabilities will have the opportunity to reel in a good time as they join some enthusiastic volunteers during the C.A.S.T. for Kids fishing event scheduled for Saturday, June 15, at Sarg Hubbard Pond located on the Yakima Greenway in Yakima, WA.

C.A.S.T., which stands for "Catch a Special Thrill," offers children with disabilities and terminal illnesses an opportunity to enjoy a day of fishing and boating. This C.A.S.T. event is also part of First Lady Michelle Obama's "Let's Move Outside" initiative. The First Lady's goal is to solve the problem of childhood obesity by encouraging children to increase physical activity on America's public lands and waterways, and eating healthier.

"This will be a first fish experience for some of these kids," said Jaurette Jackson of the Bureau of Reclamation's Columbia-Cascades Area Office. "It is a wonderful opportunity for volunteers to be part of a special experience that these children will remember for years to come."

The children range in age from 7-16 years old, many have a variety of physical or developmental disabilities and some may suffer with terminal illnesses. Each participant will receive fishing gear, a tee shirt, and a hat, Jackson said.

Local volunteers will serve as fishing buddies and offer assistance to the novice anglers. Reclamation volunteers will also provide a barbecue lunch following the event for all the participants.

Partners include: C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation, Bureau of Reclamation, Children's Village, Starbucks Coffee Company, Valley Septic, Culligan Water Softener, McDonalds, Pepsi, Yakama Nation Legends Casino, and TreeTop, Inc.

For more information about the June 15 event, contact Jaurette Jackson at (509) 575-5848, Ext. 269. In case of rain, the C.A.S.T. event will be canceled. To find out more about the C.A.S.T. for Kids - Let's Move Outside events Region-wide, contact Shari Kohlbecker, Regional Coordinator at (208) 378-5050 or visit http://www.usbr.gov/pn/cast/ .

Yakima Basin Water Supply - June Forecast Released

YAKIMA, Wash. - The Bureau of Reclamation's June 2013, Total Water Supply Available (TWSA) forecast for the Yakima Basin indicates a full water supply for both senior and junior water rights.

"Although we can't count on a wet spring, this is the fifth year in a row that precipitation in the basin has been above average in the spring. It certainly helps the water supply outlook," said Chuck Garner, Yakima Project River Operations supervisor.

At this time, both junior and senior water rights holders are expected to receive their full water supply. The water supply forecast will be updated each month through July. Specific water delivery levels will not be determined until later in the year when the reservoir system's storage begins to decline.

The June TWSA forecast is based on flows, precipitation, snowpack, and reservoir storage as of June 1, along with estimates of future precipitation and river flows. Other future weather conditions that determine the timing of the run-off and the demand for water are also critical in determining streamflows, reservoir storage, and the water supply available.

"The basin reservoirs are full and the snowpack is close to average even though it is the lowest pack we’ve seen in the past seven years. We could end the season with the lowest reservoir levels since 2006. Water saved through good irrigation practices could help offset the low snowpack, keeping a little more water in the reservoirs," Garner said.

For more information visit our website at http://www.usbr.gov/pn/hydromet/yakima
.

Reclamation to Partner with OWRD on Willamette River Basin Study

BOISE, Idaho - The Bureau of Reclamation’s Pacific Northwest Region will partner with the Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) to develop a Plan of Study for the Willamette River Basin Study aimed at finding collaborative solutions to future water needs in Oregon.

The basin study is jointly funded by the state and supported under Reclamation’s WaterSMART Basin Study program. For the plan of study, OWRD and Reclamation will equally share $50,000 toward the $100,000 study effort.

This follows an earlier announcement from Reclamation Commissioner Michael L. Connor who said $2.1 million will be made available under the WaterSMART Basin Study program for Reclamation to partner with local entities to conduct comprehensive studies of river basins in Arizona, California, Colorado, Kansas, Nevada and Oregon.

The Willamette River Basin supports approximately 75 percent of Oregon's population and is the fastest growing area in the state.

More than 170 varieties of agricultural crops are grown and sold in the basin, which produces more than 40 percent of the state's gross farm sales. The basin is rich in native fish and provides critical habitat for several endangered species.

Recreation opportunities are abundant, and the basin is one of the most visited destinations for recreational boaters in Oregon.

The plan of study will assist Reclamation and OWRD to develop the proposed Willamette River Basin Study which will update a previous assessment of basin water demands completed in 2008 and expand it to include an assessment of future demands as a result of climate change. The plan of study is expected to be complete in 2014.

Future study efforts will compile in-stream demands quantified through previous studies, aid the implementation of Oregon's Integrated Water Resources Strategy adopted in 2013 and help evaluate adaptation strategies for securing water in the future.

Reclamation Awards Nine WaterSMART Grants in the Pacific Northwest

BOISE, Idaho - The Bureau of Reclamation’s Pacific Northwest Region will distribute WaterSMART Water and Energy Efficiency Grants to fund nine water conservation projects in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.

Reclamation will fund $5.8 million of a cost-share program totaling $21 million for projects in all three states which are expected to be completed within three years.

This funding follows an announcement from Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell and Reclamation Commissioner Michael L. Connor that 44 projects in 11 states will receive $20.8 million from the WaterSMART program.

Projects in the Pacific Northwest Region include:

Idaho

Idaho Water Resource Board, Provide Flow Measurement Devices to Delivery Points

Reclamation Funding: $153,837 Total Project Cost: $341,859

· The Idaho Water Resource Board will install flow measurement devices and remote monitoring equipment at 22 diversion sites to improve water management in an area where water users do not currently have the capacity to measure diversions accurately. Once the project has been completed, water users will be able to ensure that diversions precisely match water rights, thereby avoiding any excess deliveries in a basin where water demands for irrigation and hydropower generation must be balanced. The project is expected to result in water savings of 5,014 acre-feet each year, which will remain in the Snake River.

Twin Falls Canal Company, Kinyon Pond Re-regulation Reservoir

Reclamation Funding: $300,000 Total Project Cost: $1,565,805

· The Twin Falls Canal Company in Idaho will construct a 200 acre-foot capacity re-regulating reservoir and will install a new concrete check structure and other improvements so that water currently lost to spills can be captured for use within the system. The project is expected to result in water savings of 13,500 acre-feet annually by reducing the amount of water needed within the system to make deliveries to growers.

Oregon

Central Oregon Irrigation District, Juniper Ridge Phase II Piping Project

Reclamation Funding: $1,500,000 Total Project Cost: $6,531,166

· The Central Oregon Irrigation District will convert 4,500 linear feet of the Pilot Butte canal to spiral wound, coated steel pipe, an improvement expected to result in water savings of 2,552 acre-feet each year. Through a partnership with the Deschutes River Conservancy, 2,000 acre-feet of conserved water will be allocated as a permanent instream flow to support water quality and habitat improvements in a reach of the Crooked River that is critical for endangered Middle Columbia Steelhead. The remaining 552 acre-feet of conserved water will be allocated for permanent instream flow in the middle Deschutes River. The District estimates that 543,343 kilowatt hours of energy savings annually will result from reduced pumping and also estimates that completion of the project will allow for as much as 3,727,545 kilowatt hours of additional power generation annually from the existing Juniper Ridge Hydroelectric Plant.

Vale Oregon Irrigation District, Willow Creek Pipeline Project

Reclamation Funding: $1,258,200 Total Project Cost: $2,516,400

· The Vale Oregon Irrigation District will convert 61,439 linear feet of lateral canals to enclosed pipe to address seepage losses. The project is expected to result in 5,450 acre-feet of water savings annually, which will remain in Beulah Reservoir, benefitting threatened bull trout. Completion of a new pressurized system is expected to facilitate steps by landowners to convert from flood irrigation to sprinkler irrigation in the future.

Talent Irrigation District, Jasmine Water Conservation Project

Reclamation Funding: $205,643 Total Project Cost: $411,287

· The Talent Irrigation District in Oregon will convert 1.3 miles of the open Talent Canal to pipelines to address seepage losses. This project is the last phase of an overall conservation project to pipe the lower 4.9 miles of the Talent Canal. The project is expected to result in water savings of 792 acre-feet annually. Conserved water will be stored in nearby reservoirs to enhance deliveries and make more water available for future use.

Washington

Kennewick Irrigation District, Ethylene Propylene Diene (EPDM) Canal Lining and Water Conservation Project

Reclamation Funding: $1,500,000 Total Project Cost: $6,975,357

· The Kennewick Irrigation District in Washington will line 14.6 miles of existing earthen canal with a geomembrane liner, an improvement expected to result in water savings of 1,759 acre-feet annually. A portion of the water conserved as a result of the project will remain instream for additional fishery habitat in the Yakima River Basin, with remaining water savings used to shore up supplies during periods of shortage. The District also estimates that the project will result in energy savings of 228,459 kilowatt hours through a reduction in pumping requirements.

Roza Irrigation District, Enclosed Conduit Project Pump 7

Reclamation Funding: $300,000 Total Project Cost: $1,428,014

· The Roza Irrigation District in Sunnyside, Washington will complete the next phase of its ongoing water efficiency effort by converting 7.6 miles of lateral canal to pipeline and installing advanced flow meters to allow for better monitoring of deliveries. Conserved water will be stored in reservoirs to supplement existing water supplies for future needs or will remain in the Yakima River. Through completion of the project, the District is working to implement one of the adaptation strategies identified in the WaterSMART Basin Study completed in 2011 for the Yakima River Basin. The project is expected to result in water savings of 687 acre-feet annually by addressing current losses due to seepage, evaporation, and operational waste. The District also expects to reduce energy consumption by approximately 199,132 kilowatt-hours each year by reducing pumping requirements.

East Columbia Basin Irrigation District, Installation of Conservation Pipelines – Othello

Reclamation Funding: $300,000 Total Project Cost: $743,240

· The East Columbia Basin Irrigation District in Washington will convert 17,590 feet of open canals to pipelines to address seepage losses. Conserved water will be left in the Columbia River or used to reduce existing groundwater pumped for irrigation to address significant aquifer depletion concerns. This project is expected to result in water savings of 829 acre-feet annually and is expected to lead to energy savings of approximately 463,000 kilowatt hours through reduction in the amount of water pumped through Grand Coulee Dam. East Columbia Basin Irrigation District, Installation of Conservation Pipelines – Moses Lake

Reclamation Funding: $300,000 Total Project Cost: $659,032

· The East Columbia Basin Irrigation District in Washington will convert 18,039 feet of open canals to pipelines to address seepage losses. Conserved water will be left in the Columbia River or used to reduce existing groundwater pumped for irrigation to address significant aquifer depletion concerns. This project is expected to result in water savings of 791 acre-feet annually and is expected to lead to energy savings of approximately 441,000 kilowatt hours through reduction in the amount of water pumped through Grand Coulee Dam.

The complete list of projects is available at http://www.usbr.gov/WaterSMART/weeg.

PN Region Celebrates “Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day”

BOISE, Idaho - Reclamation's PN Regional Office celebrated its 3rd Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day/Let's Move Outside event on Thursday, April 25. The national theme this year was "Work In Progress."

There were 14 students who eagerly participated, ranging in age from 9 to 14.

Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day exposes girls and boys to what a parent does during the workday. It also shows them the value of their education and helps them discover the power and possibilities associated with a balanced work and family life.

Let’s Move is a comprehensive initiative, launched by First Lady Michelle Obama, dedicated to solving the challenge of childhood obesity within a generation so that children born today will grow up healthier and able to pursue their dreams.

Reclamation employees were encouraged to bring their daughters, sons, relatives, and friends to learn more about Reclamation and its function in the Pacific Northwest.

The event began at 8:45 a.m. as PN Regional Director Lorri Lee extended a warm welcome to the visiting students. She spent time talking about Reclamation, its mission, the positive experience they were about to encounter for the day, and the importance of an education.

"Take your education serious, do your very best in all of your subjects especially math and science,” said Lee. She encouraged the students to listen to the presenters, ask questions, and have a lot of fun.

The event coordinator, Annette Ross introduced the volunteers and gave a sketch of what would happen throughout the day.

The students were put into three tour groups identified as the Steelhead, Salmon, and Trout groups and then they were off to their six sessions.

The young students rotated to the following groups: Public Affairs; Human Resources; Design; Property and Office Services, River & Reservoir Operations; and Ecosystems Analysis. In those sessions, they learned about photography, setting goals, SCUBA diving, graphic design, information technology, fish tracking, salmon habitat, and much more.

Our presenters for the day were: Mark Albl, mechanical engineer; Manuel Salas, information technology specialist; Sharon Parkinson, civil engineer; Dave Walsh, visual information specialist; Luz Moreno, human resources specialist; Bobby Gaytan, illustrator; Charles Allen, information technology specialist; Rick Rieber, fish biologist; and Sue Camp, fish biologist. They each had about 26 minutes with the three groups educating them about Reclamation through presentations and interactive learning activities.

Jeff Peterson, civil engineer, and Paul Drury, hydraulic engineer, were also presenters who guided the students in learning about salmon habitat with the Living River Exhibit which demonstrates how streams work in a dynamic riverbed. The exhibit uses artificial sand, small farm animals, trees, sticks, and white stones as a continuous stream of water is introduced into the exhibit.

Our guides were Callianne Fisher, Kirsten Strough , Kat Jones, and John Redding. They were responsible for getting the students to their different sessions on time. The photographer for the day was Kirsten Strough.

Parents joined their children for a brown bag lunch and got to mingle with other parents and their children before heading back to their workstation.

During the wrap-up session, the students shared some of what they learned and expressed their gratitude for being able to attend the event. They gained a better understanding of the different things Reclamation does.

Thanks to each of our volunteers for doing a terrific job with the students and a special thank you to all the parents who brought their child/children to participate!

The next Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day/Let’s Move Outside event will be celebrated on Thursday, April 24, 2014. We are looking forward to another fun and educational day!

Boise River Flows Set to Increase on Wednesday

BOISE, Idaho - The Bureau of Reclamation will increase flows from Lucky Peak Dam along the Boise River tomorrow to about 1,400 cubic-feet-per-second (cfs) at the Glenwood Bridge gauging station.

The flows are well below the 7,000 cfs flood stage, and will to remain at that level through May 31.

"These are typical summertime flows along the Boise River," said Brian Sauer, Reclamation hydrologist. "There is no concern for flooding downstream, but we do advise people to exercise caution due to the swiftly moving water."

These releases also provide additional water for downstream salmon migration along the lower Snake and Columbia rivers Flows currently at the Glenwood gauge are about 800 cfs.

Grand Coulee Dam and Partners Receive National Award

GRAND COULEE, Wash. - The Bureau of Reclamation's Pacific Northwest Region along with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Chelan County Public Utility District were honored on April 23 at the 2013 National Hydropower Association annual conference in Washington, D.C.

The agencies received the Outstanding Stewards of America's Waters Award (OSAW) for Public Education for their collaborative educational program called the "D3 Geocache Challenge", a high-tech treasure hunt offered at Grand Coulee Dam, Chief Joseph Dam, and Rocky Reach Dam, all located on the Columbia River.

Geocaching uses GPS (global positioning system) devices or a Smartphone to receive clues to search for hidden items and learn about clean, renewable energy in a fun way.

Upon completing the specific geocaches at Grand Coulee Dam, treasure hunters return to the Visitor Center to receive their prize, a piece of the overhead power lines that once carried electricity from the largest powerplant in the United States. To receive a distinguished D3 patch, visitors must also complete additional geocaches at Chief Joseph Dam and Rocky Reach Dam.

"This was truly a partnership project," said Lynne Brougher, Grand Coulee Dam Public Affairs Officer. "Coordinating the program with the other dams was fun and it was a great opportunity for the participants to learn interesting facts about the dams and a great way to promote local tourism. It took a lot of teamwork. The staff members at the Grand Coulee Dam Visitor Center worked diligently to ensure the program succeeded by assisting visitors in their quest to complete the challenge."

Due to the success of the program in 2012, it is being expanded to 10 additional Northwest dams this summer through the Foundation for Water and Energy Education.

The Grand Coulee Dam Visitor Center is open daily from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. with extended hours during the summer season. Geocache locations are accessible from dawn to dusk.

For more information about geocaching at Grand Coulee Dam, contact the Visitor Center at (509) 633-9265.

Hungry Horse Dam Visitor Center Summer Schedule

HUNGRY HORSE, Mont. - The Bureau of Reclamation announces the opening of the Hungry Horse Dam Visitor Center for the summer season beginning Memorial Day weekend.

Hours for the Memorial Day weekend, May 25-27 will be from 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. For the remainder of the summer seasonm, the visitor center will be open Wednesday through Sunday, from 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m., starting May 29.

The access road to the dam is off Highway 2 past the Hungry Horse/Glacier View Forest Service building. The visitor center is located at the north end of the dam's crest.

Parking is not permitted on top of the dam, but in designated areas only.

For additional information call (406) 387-5241.

Hungry Horse Dam stands 564 feet tall and was completed in 1953. It is located on the south fork of the Flathead River, 15 miles south of the west entrance to Glacier National Park and 20 miles northeast of Kalispell, Mont.

Snake River Flows Increasing to Benefit Native Fish

BURLEY, Idaho - The Bureau of Reclamation will increase flows in the Snake River below Palisades Dam this week to about 18,000 cubic feet per second (cfs). Each day, starting May 13, the flow will increase about 15 percent until the maximum is reached on May 18. After the high flow is sustained for two days, it will be slowly decreased. The flow will return to the 30-year average of about 13,000 cfs during Memorial Day weekend.

"One objective of this operation is to approach 20,000 cfs at the gage near Heise, approximately 48 river miles downstream of Palisades," said Roland Springer, Assistant Area Manager for Reclamation's Upper Snake Field Officel. "Providing high flows at the same time that nature would provide them benefits native fish."

These water releases will not affect Reclamation's ability to meet its water delivery obligations. American Falls Reservoir will store the water that is passed through Palisades Reservoir to be used farther downstream.

The river will be fast and cold during the high flow period. Please use caution and be aware when recreating near the river.

Flows Below Anderson Ranch Dam to Increase

BOISE, Idaho - Flows from Anderson Ranch Dam on the South Fork of the Boise River were increased on Monday from 600 cubic-feet-per-second (cfs) to 1,600 cfs due to below normal snowpack, early spring runoff and increasing demands for irrigation water.

"South Fork flows are expected to remain at these levels into August, which will also benefit river rafters and kayakers," Brian Sauer, Snake River Area Office hydrologist. "These are typical summertime flows coming just a few weeks earlier."

Current water storage in the Boise River reservoirs is about 68 percent of capacity.

Anderson Ranch Dam is about 28 miles northeast of Mountain Home, Idaho.

Despite the warming weather, water temperatures are still very cold in local streams so precautions should be taken to avoid water contact without proper preparation, Sauer said.

The increased flows will not adversely impact the available water supply for the irrigation season this year.

Henrys Fork Basin Study Topic of Two Open Houses

BOISE, Idaho - The Bureau of Reclamation and the Idaho Water Resource Board (IWRB) will be on hand at two informal public open houses in eastern Idaho to discuss the status and process of the Henrys Fork Basin Study.

The open houses will be held:

May 13 - Trails Inn Restaurant, 213 2nd Street in Ashton, Idaho. The Henry’s Fork Foundation is sponsoring this open house.

5 pm – 7 pm

May 14 - Driggs City Center Building, 60 S. Main Street in Driggs, Idaho. The Friends of the Teton River is sponsoring this open house.

4 pm – 8 pm

"This will give people an opportunity to ask questions about the study in an informal setting," said Bob Schattin, Reclamation Activity Manager. "Our objective here is simply to share information and explain what is easily considered a very complex process."

The Basin Study will identify opportunities for developing water supplies and improving water management while sustaining environmental quality. After nearly three years of collaboration, technical analysis and public participation, the Henrys Fork Basin Special Study Interim Report describing potential future water supply alternatives for the basin was released in February.

The open houses will focus on the range of alternatives outlined in the Interim Report and how they were selected for future analysis. The alternatives include:

Existing and new surface storage alternatives
Managed ground water recharge
Agricultural conservation and management
Municipal and Industrial conservation alternatives
Market based alternatives

This is an ongoing collaborative effort involving a stakeholder's workgroup which included the Henry's Fork Watershed Council, irrigation districts, conservation organizations, universities, the Henry's Fork Foundation, as well as federal and state agencies.

The study will conclude with a final basin study report by the end of 2013. For more information about the open houses contact Mr. Bob Schattin at (208) 378-5090.

Jackson Lake Dam Operations Public Meeting Set

BURLEY, Idaho - The Bureau of Reclamation will host a public meeting to explain streamflow forecasts and projected reservoir operations for Jackson Lake Dam and other Snake River reservoirs on May 16 in Jackson, Wyo. The meeting will be held at the 49er Inn & Suites' conference room, 330 West Pearl Ave. at 7:30 p.m.

Forecast runoff for the Snake River in Wyoming is below normal and close to the 2012 condition. Storage in downstream reservoirs is significantly less than last year which may result in a much greater draw on Jackson Lake through the summer season.

On May 1, Jackson Lake was 77 percent full compared with 86 percent in 2012. Palisades Reservoir is 46 percent full, and was 71 percent of capacity this time last year.

"Comparing this year with last, the bright spots are a later snowmelt upstream and a slightly slower beginning of the irrigation season downstream," said Water Operations Manager Mike Beus. "This is the result of cooler weather this year than in 2012."

The 49er Inn & Suites meeting facility is accessible to people with disabilities. Please contact Jami Andersen, with the Bureau of Reclamation Upper Snake Field Office at (208) 678-0461, ext. 22 for sign language interpretation for the hearing impaired or other auxiliary aids.

Jackson Lake Dam, located on the Snake River near Moran, Wyo. It is part of the Minidoka Project and was originally built in 1911, and reconstructed in 1989 under Reclamation's Safety of Dams Program.