EMMETT, Idaho - The Bureau of Reclamation is lowering the reservoir behind Black Canyon Diversion Dam to allow crews to perform necessary inspections and maintenance. The 32-foot drawdown begins Oct. 5 and will continue incrementally until an elevation of 2,466 feet is reached, on or about Nov. 12. The public is advised to exercise caution around the reservoir and riverbanks during the drawdown period.
“Exposed sandbars in the upper reservoir may appear attractive for fishing or other activities, but these areas could be dangerous," said Steve Crawford, facility manager. “The exposed riverbank also could be unstable for people as well as their pets."
During this drawdown, Reclamation crews will inspect and perform maintenance work on the intake structure and associated features. Crews will thoroughly clean the intake structure, which helps improve water flow to the hydroelectric generators and to the hydro pumps used to pump irrigation water into an adjacent canal.
Black Canyon Diversion Dam is located on the Payette River about five miles northeast of Emmett, Idaho. It was completed in 1924 and is a multipurpose facility that provides irrigation and hydropower.
Source: Bureau of Reclamation
