AHSAHKA, Idaho –Dworshak Dam will be slowly increasing releases this month from 1,700 cubic feet per second (cfs) to the approximate range of 6,000-10,000 cfs. Operations at Dworshak will change the height of the Clearwater River downstream of the dam by approximately 1.5 feet, gradually, across a two-week period.
The reservoir will steadily fill through the month of March. The project is currently conserving water for the release of juvenile salmon and steelhead in April, and preparing for refill at the beginning of summer, while still providing appropriate flood risk management. The end of month target elevation for the reservoir is estimated to be available by early next week on Northwestern Division’s website: https://www.nwd-wc.usace.army.mil/report/colsum/.
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.
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 project operations.
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. 22-014