The Bureau of Reclamation and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers continue to increase flows from Lucky Peak Dam because of a combination of lower elevation precipitation and above-normal winter precipitation in the Boise River drainage.
Water managers are targeting flows through the City of Boise, by Friday, March 10, of about 7, 500 cfs as measured at Glenwood Bridge gage. These adjustments in releases from the reservoir system are necessary to help reduce the risk of increased flooding later in the spring, which can happen with rapidly melting snow and seasonal precipitation.
A flow rate of 7,500 cfs at the Glenwood Bridge gauge is considered above flood-stage level. Some sections of the Greenbelt Trail adjacent to the river will be submerged. Erosion of river banks may become a significant problem. Minor flooding may be observed on sections of Eagle Island and in other low spots near the river.
“At these flow rates, river water is deep, cold, and fast, so erosion of river banks may become a problem," said Mary Mellema, senior hydrologist with the Bureau of Reclamation. “It also presents dangerous conditions for river users, so activity near the river banks should be avoided."
Boise River reservoirs are at approximately 52 percent of capacity. Additional flow increases are possible in the coming weeks, depending on weather conditions. A full supply of irrigation water is anticipated this summer.
People can view real-time data of flows at Reclamation facilities in the Pacific Northwest Region at https://www.usbr.gov/pn/hydromet/rtindex/boise.html.
Source: Bureau of Reclamation
