AHSAHKA, Idaho – Water discharge from Dworshak Dam near Orofino, Idaho, will temporarily decrease starting Saturday, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers operations officials announced today.
Discharge flow through the powerhouse will be decreased from approximately 11,000 c.f.s. (cubic feet per second) to 6,200 c.f.s. on Saturday and Sunday. Peaking flows through the powerhouse will fluctuate Monday through Friday between 2,500-8,600 c.f.s., with the reservoir levels lowering about one-quarter of a foot each day, based on currently expected inflows.
Managing water levels in the reservoir requires constant weather and snow-pack monitoring and making appropriate adjustments to ensure enough storage space is available for rainfall and snow-melt that occurs each spring, according to Walla Walla District water-management officials.
Since Dworshak Dam became operational in June 1972, it has prevented about $2.8 million in potential flood damages.
Corps officials advise boaters and other persons using waterways both in Dworshak Reservoir and below the dam on the Clearwater River to be alert to changes in water elevation and volume of flow. Current water-management conditions can be viewed on the District website at www.nwd-wc.usace.army.mil/nww/rreports.htm -- click on “Hourly” and look in the “TOTAL” column under the “OUTFLOW” heading on the reservoir report. Reservoir elevation is found in the “FOREBAY” column under the “EL AT POWERHOUSE” heading.
For more information, please call the Public Affairs Office at (509) 527-7020.
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Release no. 11-25