AHSAHKA, Idaho –Dworshak Dam is currently discharging 10,500 cubic feet per second (cfs) to meet end of month flood control targets. Discharges will remain steady through the rest of the week before slowly decreasing over the weekend, reaching around 4,600 cfs by Monday.
Reservoir discharge is decreasing to conserve water for both refill in early summer and local fish hatchery releases beginning at the end of March. Discharge is expected to remain steady at 4,600 cfs for roughly one week before rising again during the period of the hatchery releases. Discharge at the end of the month is expected to be in the approximate range of 6,000 to 10,500 cfs.
Operations at Dworshak will decrease the height of the Clearwater River downstream of the dam by approximately 1 foot on both Saturday and Sunday for a total decrease of approximately 2 feet. The height will increase again by approximately 2 feet as discharge increases at the end of the month.
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. 22-016