EMMETT, Idaho - The Bureau of Reclamation will keep Black Canyon Reservoir drawn down through February 2016 for continued routine maintenance at the Black Canyon Diversion Dam. The dam is located on the Payette River about 5 miles northeast of Emmett, Idaho.
Reclamation began the drawdown Oct. 15 to reach an elevation safe enough for work crews. Work was originally scheduled to end in January, however, crews plan to take advantage of the current winter weather conditions to perform additional routine dam maintenance through mid-February before spring runoff naturally raises the reservoir elevation.
“Safety is a priority. Exposed sandbars in the upper reservoir may appear attractive for fishing or other activities, but people need to know these areas could be dangerous for themselves as well as for their pets," said Steven Coulter, Black Canyon facility manager. “We ask that the public continue to exercise caution around the reservoir and riverbanks during the continued drawdown period."
The 18-foot drawdown put the reservoir at elevation 2,480 feet. Normal pool elevation is at 2,498 feet.
Black Canyon Diversion Dam, completed in 1924, is a multipurpose facility that provides irrigation water and hydropower.
Source: Bureau of Reclamation
