Idaho Power is providing this July 31, 2013 update to keep boaters informed about flow conditions on the Snake River downstream from Hells Canyon Dam. Inflows to Brownlee Reservoir began increasing over the weekend as a result of the release of Idaho Power’s storage water from American Falls Reservoir. Inflows will increase to 7,500 to 9,000 cfs and should remain there for approximately two weeks. Daily flows below Hells Canyon Dam are currently averaging 9,000 to10,000 cfs/day as drafting of Brownlee Reservoir continues. Boaters can expect continued daily fluctuations in flows below Hells Canyon Dam as flows are adjusted to meet power demands and maintain system reliability. Night time and early morning flows will be 7,300 to 8,000 cfs. Flows will increase mid to late morning with the highest flows occurring during peak load hours in the evening. Peak flows will be 13,000 to 16,000 cfs during the late afternoon and evening hours. Flows on the Salmon River continue to drop and are now less than 4,500 cfs at Whitebird. Boaters should be aware of these declines and the resulting declining flows below the confluence of the Salmon River and the Snake River. Idaho Power will continue to provide email updates to the boating community as conditions change and we update our operational plans. For current information, we recommend that boaters in Hells Canyon utilize the flow monitors located at the Hells Canyon Visitors Center, Pittsburg Landing, Cache Creek, Heller Bar, Hells Gate Marina, and at the Forest Service’s Hells Canyon National Recreational Area office in Clarkston, Washington. River users may also call 1-800-422-3143 for the latest stream flow and Brownlee reservoir water level information. Flow information for Hells Canyon can also be found on the Idaho Power water information website. Forecasted flows provided on the company’s website and flow monitors are approximate and are subject to change depending on generation and system reliability needs. If you have any questions or comments, you may contact us at hccflow@idahopower.
Posted on: Wed, 31 Jul 2013 18:36:49 +0000
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