BOISE, Idaho -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Reclamation will continue to increase Boise River flows through the City of Boise the week of April 10.
Boise River flows through the City of Boise will increase to a target of approximately 4,000 cubic feet per second by the end of Wednesday, April 12. Flood risk management releases through the city will continue to increase at a daily rate no greater than 500 cfs. The target may increase to 5,000 cfs by Friday, April 14 depending on weather conditions.
Flows through the City of Boise will be measured at the Glenwood Bridge USGS gauge: https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/13206000/#parameterCode=00060&period=P7D. The purpose of current flood risk management releases is to reduce the risk of flooding during periods of high snow runoff anticipated later this spring.
Water managers may continue to adjust water releases from Lucky Peak Dam and Lake during the coming weeks, depending upon weather conditions and inflows. Flows through the City of Boise could also fluctuate depending upon water diversions for irrigation through the New York Canal as determined by Idaho Water District Number 63. The public should exercise increased caution and vigilance around the New York Canal and other water conveyance facilities.
The public should be aware that river flows may frequently change during the snow-melt season. Flows above 4,000 cfs may start to inundate lower sections of the Boise River Greenbelt, including underpasses. A flow rate of 7,000 cfs, or about 10 feet in water depth as measured at the Glenwood Bridge gauge, is considered minor flood-stage level on the Boise River according to the Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service: https://water.weather.gov/ahps2/inundation/index.php?gage=bigi1.
Officials advise the public to be aware of risks associated with increased Boise River flows. The water is deep, cold and fast. Individuals should use extreme caution near the riverbanks.
Currently, the Boise River reservoirs are at 64% of capacity. A full supply of irrigation water is anticipated this irrigation season.
For real-time Boise River flows at Corps and Reclamation facilities, visit https://www.usbr.gov/pn/hydromet/rtindex/boise.html.
Release no. 23-027