22-007 Dworshak Dam releases to fluctuate between 6,100 and 8,500 cfs in first week of February

AHSAHKA, Idaho –Dworshak Dam will continue drafting to meet flood control targets through the end of January. Releases are expected to remain between 6,100 and 7,700 cubic feet per second (cfs) through the end of the month.

During the period between Wednesday, Feb. 2 and Friday, Feb. 4, releases will fluctuate due to testing required as part of annual turbine maintenance. Feb. 3 is the primary testing day, with Feb. 2 and 4 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 6,100 and 8,500 cfs, and a change in height of the Clearwater River downstream of Dworshak of approximately 2 feet. After testing ends, flows will return to 6,100 cfs for the remainder of the testing day.

The rate of change in downstream river stage will remain within the limit of one foot per hour, as measured at the United States Geological Survey (USGS) Clearwater River Near Peck, ID (gage #13341050).

An additional news release will occur in early February after official water supply forecasts have been completed and inflow has been evaluated.

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/.