22-065 Dworshak Dam releases to fluctuate between 3,600 and 6,000 cfs on Oct. 5 & 6 for testing

Walla Walla District Corps of Engineers
Published Sept. 30, 2022
Dworshak Dam.

Dworshak Dam.

AHSAHKA, Idaho –Dworshak Dam releases will remain at 1,600 cubic feet per second (cfs) through Monday, Oct. 3 as the reservoir begins fall operations. The current reservoir elevation is approximately 1,519 feet and the maximum allowable elevation by the end of December is approximately 1,559 feet.

Flows will be increased from minimum discharge of 1,600 cfs to 3,600 cfs on the evening of Tuesday Oct. 4, to help minimize stage changes during testing on the following days. Between Wednesday, Oct. 5 and Thursday, Oct. 6, releases will fluctuate due to testing required as part of annual turbine maintenance. During the days of testing, flows will fluctuate between 3,600 and 6,000 cfs for several hours between 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Due to these fluctuations, a change in height of approximately 1 foot will occur on the Clearwater River downstream of Dworshak. After testing ends, flows will gradually return to 1,600 cfs by the end of Friday Oct. 8 and will persist there for the remainder of October.

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 testing.

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 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/.


Contact
Public Affairs Office
509-527-7020
cenww-pa@usace.army.mil

Release no. 22-065