Warning: Boise River Flows Set to Nearly Double This Week
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Reclamation are increasing flows in the Boise river again this week.
The flow on the Boise River through town raised last week to approximately 1,750 cubic-feet-per-second. Now the Bureau will slowly increase flows by about 500 cfs per day on Monday and Tuesday and then another 200 cfs on Wednesday bringing the total to about 3000 cfs.
These increases are due to snow pack rising from 66 to 89 percent for the Boise basin. Precipitation in the basin has been above average for the month of March. The releases will help reduce the risk of flooding later in the spring, which can happen with rapidly melting snow and seasonal precipitation. Additional flow increases are possible in the coming weeks depending upon weather conditions.
A full supply of irrigation water is anticipated this summer.
Officials are advising the public to be aware of the danger associated with increased Boise River flows. The water is deep, cold, and fast. Extreme caution should be used near the river banks.
For real-time Boise River flows at Reclamation facilities in the Pacific Northwest Region, visit http://www.usbr.gov/pn/hydromet/rtindex/boise.html
Currently, the Boise River reservoirs are at approximately 84 percent of capacity. Last week they were only at about 82 percent...and with warmer weather expected this week, we could see another increase soon. When we do, check back for another update here on mix106radio.com