BOISE, Idaho -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District anticipates flood risk management releases from Lucky Peak Dam may be necessary this spring.
Releases down the Boise River are anticipated to begin on March 13 with flows increasing to 1,000 cfs, as measured by the U.S. Geological Survey Boise River at the Glenwood Bridge gauge.
As of Feb. 26, snowpack in the Boise River basin is at 138% of median. The Boise River reservoir system, which includes Anderson Ranch Dam, Arrowrock Dam, and Lucky Peak dams, is currently 56% full. Releases from Lucky Peak will be managed to provide sufficient space in the reservoir system to capture the peak snowmelt runoff later this spring. A full supply of irrigation water is anticipated this summer.
An additional announcement will be issued closer to the start of the releases, with additional details regarding target dates and flows.
Officials advise the public to be aware of risks associated with increased Boise River flows. The water will be deep, cold, and fast. Caution should be used near the riverbanks. For real-time Boise River flows at USACE and Reclamation facilities, visit https://www.usbr.gov/pn/hydromet/rtindex/boise.html.
The Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Reclamation operate three dams on the Boise River as a system to manage flood control and irrigation storage needs — Lucky Peak, Arrowrock and Anderson Ranch Dams. Storage capacity provided by Reclamation’s Arrowrock and Anderson Ranch dams, and the USACE’s Lucky Peak Dam, combined with well-planned water releases, help manage Boise River flows through the city of Boise.
Release no. 25-007