Low-water operations won't stop warm-weather fun at Dworshak

Published April 29, 2011

AHSAHKA, Idaho –  Enjoy springtime in North Idaho at outdoor recreation facilities operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Dworshak Dam and Reservoir.

Corps officials advise boaters and other people using waterways both in Dworshak Reservoir and downstream of the dam on the Clearwater River to be alert to changes in water elevation. Corps staff manages the reservoir for multiple purposes, including fish out-migration enhancement (spring flow and summer flow), recreation, power and flood risk management, for example. The Corps carefully considers the value and impacts from any requested change in operations.

With the snowpack levels above 130 percent of normal for the Dworshak Dam and Reservoir watershed area, regional water-management officials continue to hold Dworshak lake levels at 1451 feet mean sea level (msl) which is 149 feet below full pool (1600 feet msl). With varying weather conditions and the increased snowpack, the expected volume of inflow water to the reservoir has recently changed. Officials anticipate another 500,000 acre feet of water will need to be released while conducting reservoir refill operations in May and June. A fact sheet about 2011 seasonal reservoir operations at Dworshak is available online at www.nww.usace.army.mil/html/offices/pa/FS_DworshakReservoir2011.pdf.

“Even when the reservoir is being operated at a low level to make room for seasonal inflows, recreation opportunities still abound at Dworshak,” said Paul Pence, acting operations manager at the dam. “When the water level does not reach full pool, it’s typically safer for boaters because there are far fewer floating, woody boating hazards – most of the logs and stumps are left high and dry on the banks.

“While the lower water levels can make it more difficult to access the shoreline mini-camps, the popular destination and safe-harbor docks provide an excellent place for family and friends to meet, picnic, swim and have fun.”

Destination docks are located near the dam in Merrys Bay, Indian Creek, Drift Creek, Cranberry Creek and two at Elk Creek. Safe-harbor docks are located in Freds Bay, Cranberry Creek, Reeds Creek, Weitas Creek and Evans Creek.  Reservoir maps are available at all boat ramp kiosks and the Dworshak Dam Visitor Center.

Big Eddy boat ramp is currently open. The Big Eddy day-use area offers outdoor recreation fun for all ages, including a swim beach, playground, picnic shelters and barbecue grills. The Big Eddy hiking trail connects to Dworshak State Park. Visitors often hike along the trail and picnic at one of several mini-camps along the way. 

The Merrys Bay day-use area, which opened on April 1, offers secluded picnicking and fishing opportunities. 

Those seeking a primitive camping experience can visit Dam View, Canyon Creek or one of the many shoreline mini-camps where primitive camping is available at no charge.

Early season camping is available at Dent Acres Campground. Site fees are $10 per day by self-deposit registration. Regular season camping will start May 19, with full hook-up sites available for $18 per night. Reservations for the regular season can be made by calling (877) 444-6777 or by making online reservations at www.recreation.gov.

Park rangers say turkey-hunting season is in “full strut” around Dworshak Reservoir. Hunting is allowed on all Corps property around the reservoir except in developed recreation areas. Be aware that ATV operation is prohibited off of designated roads and behind gates or fences.

Please, follow all safety precautions while enjoying the forest during hunting seasons. The weather may be warming up but the water in Dworshak is still very cold from the spring snowmelt and runoff. Always be aware of hypothermia symptoms, and wear Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices. When boating on the reservoir, remember that lake levels can change quickly. Boat operators should be sure to keep the fluctuating reservoir levels in mind when anchoring their vessels. 

For updated water level and boat ramp information, call (800) 321-3198. For more information regarding facilities access and current conditions call (208) 476-1255, or stop by our Visitor Center, which is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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Release no. 11-44