AHSAHKA, Idaho –Dworshak Dam will be decreasing releases from 9,700 cubic feet per second (cfs) to 6,900 cfs to conserve water between hatchery releases, which resume Monday, April 12. Current basin conditions and a forecast for slightly below normal precipitation for the next 10 days drive the decrease.
Decreases will occur throughout Saturday, April 3, from midnight to 6 p.m. This decrease will occur simultaneously with rising natural flows and is expected to result in the Clearwater River near Peck balancing at an approximately constant level on April 3. Releases will remain constant through Friday, April 9 once they reach 6,900 cfs.
The rate of change in downstream river stage will be limited to below one foot per hour as measured at the United States Geological Survey (USGS) Clearwater River Near Peck, ID (gage #13341050).
Reservoir releases will be adjusted throughout the month of April to support hatchery releases, meet flood control targets, and control refill. 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. 21-016