The Bureau of Reclamation will increase river flows below American Falls Dam beginning February 9, due to above average precipitation and more carryover storage than in recent drought years. American Falls Dam is located on the Snake River near American Falls, Idaho.
Releases from American Falls Reservoir will begin to increase on February 9 from about 380 cubic feet per second to 1,200 cfs. Increases in flows will continue through Feb. 11, bringing the total flow to 3,000 cfs. Reclamation anticipates flows could reach about 5,000 cfs next week, but this is subject to weather conditions and the river's response at the 3,000 cfs level.
"Water released from American Falls Reservoir will not be stored in Lake Walcott until sometime in March," said Mike Beus, Reclamation Hydraulic Engineer. "Flows of this magnitude are not expected to create hazardous conditions, but people need to exercise caution when near the river, especially during this time of year."
The average flow of the Snake River immediately below American Falls Dam is about 4,630 cfs for the month of February for the 29 year period from 1971 through 2000. Above average flows were last recorded in 1999, when the February flows averaged 7,920 cfs. The highest February average in recent history was 18,080 cfs in 1997.
Beus indicated that the increased flows over the next several days will likely result in a more scenic attraction over the 212-foot drop at Shoshone Falls located near Twin Falls, Idaho.
Source: Bureau of Reclamation
