AHSAHKA, Idaho – Operators of Dworshak Dam will increase flows from 1,700 to 2,400 cubic feet per second on the evening of Oct. 4 to help minimize stage changes during testing on the following days. Between Thursday, Oct. 5 and Friday, Oct. 6, releases will fluctuate due to testing required as part of annual turbine maintenance.
On the days testing does occur, flows may fluctuate for several hours between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.. Expect fluctuations between 2,400 and 5,000 cfs, and a change in height of the Clearwater River downstream of Dworshak of approximately 1 foot. After testing ends, flows will gradually return to 1,700 cfs by the end of Friday, Oct. 6 and remain there for the remainder of October.
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 Northwestern Division Project Data website at https://pweb.crohms.org/report/projdata.htm.