AHSAHKA, Idaho –Dworshak Dam releases will remain at 1,600 cubic feet per second (cfs) through the end of October as the reservoir begins fall operations. The current reservoir elevation is approximately 1,516 feet.
Flows will remain at the minimum discharge of 1,600 cfs on Tuesday evening. Between Wednesday, Oct. 26 and Thursday, Oct. 27, releases will fluctuate due to annual turbine maintenance testing. During the days of testing, flows will fluctuate for several hours between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Fluctuations in flow will remain between 1,600 and 3,000 cfs, and the height of the Clearwater River downstream of Dworshak is expected to fluctuate by less than 1 foot. After testing is complete, flows will return to 1,600 cfs and remain there for the remainder of the year.
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 testing.
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.
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/.
