EMMETT, Idaho - The Bureau of Reclamation will lower Black Canyon Reservoir an additional 5 feet at the request of the Emmett Irrigation District (EID) to allow district crews to perform maintenance on intake screens. The dam is located on the Payette River about 5 miles northeast of Emmett, Idaho.
The reservoir will be drawn down at a rate of 6 inches daily until it reaches elevation 2480 feet to expose the EID intake screens where water is pumped from the reservoir into the canal system. It is expected to reach the target elevation by Wednesday.
“Although this is routine maintenance and the reservoir appears low, it is actually about 30 to 40 feet higher than it was this time last year," said Steve Coulter, Black Canyon Facility Manager. “We also want to remind folks to be cautious around the upper reservoir and the adjacent riverbank since they may be unstable and pose a threat to people and pets."
The drawdown will put the reservoir at elevation 2480 feet; normal pool elevation is at 2498 feet.
Black Canyon Diversion Dam was completed in 1924, and is a multipurpose facility that provides irrigation water and hydropower.
Source: Bureau of Reclamation
