AHSAHKA, Idaho – (Release from the Walla Walla U.S Army Corps of Engineers) Dworshak Dam is currently releasing 2,300 cubic feet per second (cfs). Flows will begin decreasing on the evening of Saturday, May 27 to be in the approximate range of 1,400-1,600 cfs. Operations to decrease discharge to minimum flow at Dworshak will occur simultaneously with decreasing natural flows and are expected to result in the Clearwater River near Peck decreasing by less than a foot.
The decrease in discharge is due to Dworshak transitioning into final fill as the remaining snowpack melts off and runoff begins receding. A snowline verification flight will be conducted next week to verify the remaining snowpack in the Clearwater basin and if it is safe to allow the reservoir to fill into the last 10 feet. Releases will increase again when temperature flow augmentation is required in the Lower Snake River system, which typically occurs late June to early July.
The current operation will result in total dissolved gas (TDG) remaining below 110%. The Corps will continue to work with regional water managers, other agencies, tribes, and fish managers and hatcheries in joint efforts to meet reservoir objectives and keep total dissolved gas (TDG) below the Idaho State maximum threshold of 110%, when possible.
The rate of change in downstream river stage limit of one foot per hour, as measured at the United States Geological Survey (USGS) Clearwater River Near Peck, ID (gage #13341050), will not be violated due to project operations.
For safety, the public is advised to be aware of the danger associated with fluctuating river flows and elevations. The river at this time of year is deep, cold and fast, so extreme caution should be used near riverbanks. Boaters, anglers and other people using waterways both in Dworshak Reservoir and below the dam on the Clearwater River are advised to be alert to changes in water elevation and volume of flow. Current Dworshak water-management conditions can be viewed on the Walla Walla District website at https://www.nwd.usace.army.mil/CRWM/Water-Control-Data/Project-Data/.