AHSAHKA, Idaho –Dworshak Dam releases will remain at 1,600 cubic feet per second (cfs) through Nov. 14 as the reservoir continues its winter fill. The current reservoir elevation is approximately 1,518 feet and the maximum allowable elevation by the end of December is approximately 1,559 feet.
During the period between Monday, Nov. 15 and Thursday, Nov. 18, releases will fluctuate due to testing required as part of annual turbine maintenance. Nov. 15 and 16 are the primary testing days, with Nov. 17 and 18 scheduled as contingency days. On the days testing does occur, flows will fluctuate for several hours between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.. Expect fluctuations between 1,600 and 6,000 cfs, and a change in height of the Clearwater River downstream of Dworshak of approximately 2 feet. After testing ends, flows will return to 1,600 cfs for the remainder of November.
The rate of change in downstream river stage limit of one foot per hour, as measured at the United States Geological Survey (USGS) Clearwater River Near Peck, ID (gage #13341050), will not be violated due to testing.
The current operation will result in total dissolved gas (TDG) remaining below 110%. The Corps will continue to work with regional water managers, other agencies, tribes, and fish managers and hatcheries in joint efforts to meet reservoir objectives and keep total dissolved gas (TDG) below the Idaho State maximum threshold of 110%, when possible.
For safety, the public is advised to be aware of the danger associated with fluctuating river flows and elevations. The river at this time of year is deep, cold and fast, so extreme caution should be used near riverbanks. Boaters, anglers and other people using waterways both in Dworshak Reservoir and below the dam on the Clearwater River are advised to be alert to changes in water elevation and volume of flow. Current Dworshak water-management conditions can be viewed on the Walla Walla District website at https://www.nwd.usace.army.mil/CRWM/Water-Control-Data/Project-Data/.
Release no. 21-067