BOISE, Idaho -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District, anticipates starting flood-risk management releases from Lucky Peak Dam as early as Thursday, March 26.
The Boise River reservoir system, which includes Anderson Ranch, Arrowrock and Lucky Peak dams, is at 71% capacity. Snowpack in the Boise River basin was 69% of the median on March 11, and water-year-to-date precipitation is 96% of the median. The lower system, consisting of Lucky Peak and Arrowrock reservoirs, is expected to be near full by early April without these releases.
Flood-risk management releases will be used to carefully manage space in the lower system in preparation for anticipated April and May precipitation and runoff.
An updated announcement will be issued at least 72 hours before releases begin, providing specific dates and initial target flows. These operational decisions will be based on real-time weather forecasts and irrigation demand.
Officials advise the public to be aware of the risks associated with increased Boise River flows. The water will be deep, cold and fast. Please use caution near riverbanks.
For real-time Boise River flows, visit the Bureau of Reclamation's website at https://www.usbr.gov/pn/hydromet/rtindex/boise.html.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Reclamation operate three dams on the Boise River as a system to manage flood control and irrigation needs — Anderson Ranch, Arrowrock and Lucky Peak dams. Storage capacity provided by Reclamation’s Arrowrock and Anderson Ranch dams, and the USACE-operated Lucky Peak Dam, combined with well-planned water releases, helps manage Boise River flows through Boise.
Release no. 26-006