News Release Archive

ADVISORY: Reclamation responds to power emergency; urges caution on Green River and Colorado River due to the potential for rapid changes in river releases

Increased hydropower production to meet emergency electrical needs means water releases will change quickly and without warning

Media Contact: Marlon Duke, 385-228-4845, mduke@usbr.gov

For Release: August 17, 2020

Glen Canyon Dam penstock intakesSALT LAKE CITY – Those working or recreating along the Green River below Utah’s Flaming Gorge Dam and the Colorado River below Arizona’s Glen Canyon Dam should exercise increased caution as fluctuations in hydropower generation may cause rapid changes in water releases. The Bureau of Reclamation is responding to unusually high energy demand amid excessive summer heat across the western United States. Unscheduled water release fluctuations will occur without warning. Be careful along the river and watch for sudden changes in flow and depth.

Reclamation increased hydropower generation at Glen Canyon Dam on Friday evening, August 14, in response to California’s electrical emergency. The Western Area Power Administration again called on Glen Canyon Dam to increase generation on Saturday, August 15 to help stabilize the western electrical grid. As the current heat wave continues, Glen Canyon and Flaming Gorge Dams will continue to respond to grid operator calls for additional hydropower to augment supply deficiencies.

Hydropower dams like Glen Canyon and Flaming Gorge are unique in their ability to respond almost immediately to electrical system emergencies and swings in demand. They are crucial parts of the interconnected electrical system in the western United States.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.