AHSAHKA, Idaho – Dworshak Dam will be slowly increasing releases this week from 5,600 cubic feet per second (cfs) to the approximate range of 7,500 cfs. Operations at Dworshak will change the height of the Clearwater River downstream of the dam by less than a foot, gradually, across a one-day period.
The change to release this week is due to above average precipitation that has occurred through the month of May in the Clearwater River Basin. Due to the increased precipitation, combined with the cooler temperatures, the remaining snowpack runoff has been delayed. The increase to releases will help balance remaining reservoir space with inflow and remaining snowpack as the reservoir steadily fills through the end of May and into June.
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. 22-033