22-047 Dworshak Dam to decrease outflow over next several days

Flows are receding in the Clearwater Basin, including the North Fork of the Clearwater above Dworshak. Due to receding flows Dworshak will be reducing outflow to minimize overall mainstem flow in the Clearwater, reduce Total Dissolved Gas (TDG), and start the final fill process for recreation.

A snowline flight was conducted yesterday that observed a consistent snowpack above elevation of 5,900 ft in the North Fork of the Clearwater. Dworshak began reducing flows yesterday evening due to the remaining snowpack and the current inflows. Everything below this elevation has melted out with this last storm system.  Outflows will continue to be reduced throughout today and is anticipated that flows will be held constant through the weekend at a flow rate close to 13,000 cubic feet per second (cfs). Due to the reduction in outflow, flows in the mainstem of the Clearwater will also continue to recede. TDG is expected to also decrease over this time and return close to 110% downstream of the project for the weekend.

Currently the project is at elevation 1,597.5 ft and with the reduction in outflow the project will begin its final fill heading to 1,600 ft. It is anticipated that the project will be close to 1,599 ft by Tuesday, June 21, 2022.

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/.