BOISE, Idaho -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will begin flood risk management releases from its Boise River reservoirs starting Wednesday, April 15.
Releases from Lucky Peak Dam will increase flows in the Boise River from their current level to a target of approximately 1,000 cubic feet per second on Wednesday, April 15, and to a target of 1,500 cfs on Thursday, April 16.
These releases are necessary to manage space in Lucky Peak and Arrowrock reservoirs, which could reach full capacity by this weekend without action. Future flow adjustments will depend on weather and runoff forecasts.
Recent storms have brought mixed rain and snow to the basin. Snowpack is approximately 58 percent of the median for this time of year, and the Boise River reservoir system, which includes Anderson Ranch, Arrowrock and Lucky Peak reservoirs, is currently 91 percent full.
Officials anticipate that flood risk management operations may only be needed for a short period. Flows are expected to remain well below the river's channel capacity of 6,500 cfs.
Officials advise the public to be aware of the risks associated with increased Boise River flows. The water will be deeper, colder and faster than usual. Caution should be used near the riverbanks. For real-time Boise River flow information, please visit https://www.usbr.gov/pn/hydromet/rtindex/boise.html.
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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 storage needs — Lucky Peak Dam, Arrowrock Dam and Anderson Ranch Dam. Storage capacity provided by Reclamation’s Arrowrock and Anderson Ranch dams, and the USACE Lucky Peak Dam, combined with well-planned water releases, help manage Boise River flows through the city of Boise.
Release no. 26-014