HEYBURN, Idaho - The Bureau of Reclamation is increasing flows in the upper Snake River below Palisades Dam due to widespread precipitation in the basin and continued spring runoff from snowmelt.
Palisades Dam increased releases this morning by an additional 2,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) for a total discharge of approximately 24,000 cfs. The increase was necessary due to rapidly changing weather and runoff conditions.
This increase at Palisades Dam will increase levels at the Heise gauge later today to near flood stage which is 8.0 feet. Minor flooding in the Warm Springs Resort area is possible with the river at this level.
Palisades Reservoir is approximately 82 percent of capacity. Further discharges could be necessary over the next few weeks during this active snowmelt period and as weather conditions change.
Residents of flood-prone areas downstream of Palisades Dam are encouraged to keep informed of changing river, stream, and weather conditions on the National Weather Service, Pocatello Office website at http://www.weather.gov/pih/. The site offers flow data, weather forecasts, and flood alerts.
Current river and reservoir data are available at http://www.usbr.gov/pn/hydromet/uppersnake/.
Palisades Dam, which is operated by Reclamation’s Upper Snake Field Office, is located on the Snake River in eastern Idaho.
Source: Bureau of Reclamation
