BOISE, Idaho – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Reclamation will gradually increase Boise River flows through the City of Boise from approximately 250 to 500 cubic feet per second (cfs), beginning April 7 through April 15, to meet initial irrigation diversions.
Officials advise the public to be aware of risks associated with increased flows. The water is deep, cold, and fast. Extreme caution should be used near the riverbanks. There are no immediate flood risk management operations in place on the Boise River. However, Corps and Reclamation staff are monitoring basin conditions and will notify the public of any significant changes. A flow rate of 7,000 cfs, as measured at the Glenwood Bridge gauge, is considered flood-stage level on the Boise River.
Releases to meet irrigation needs are coordinated with Idaho Water District 63, and river flows will fluctuate as irrigation demand increases. Boise River reservoirs are at approximately 65% of capacity and are continuing to fill, retaining maximum water to meet anticipated irrigation demand.
River flows may frequently change during the irrigation start-up and snow-melt season. The National Resources Conservation Service reports snowpack in the Boise basin as of April 5 is at 83% of median. The National Weather Service shows precipitation totals for the month of March were extremely low, at 38% of normal.
For real-time Boise River flows at Corps and Reclamation facilities, please visit https://www.usbr.gov/pn/hydromet/rtindex/boise.html.
Release no. 21-018