If You Live Near The Boise River, Tributaries, or Flood Plain
The Bureau of Reclamation and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are advising people to exercise caution along the Boise River as stream flows are set to increase while flood control releases that began on March 21 continue.
Flows from Lucky Peak Dam will increase this week to about 5,800 cubic feet per second at the Glenwood Bridge gauging station by Wednesday, this is an increase of about 3,300 cfs. Flows of 6,500 cfs is considered bank full, and 7,000 cfs is considered flood-stage at that location.
River flows have reached this level around this time in each of the last three years.
“Continuing precipitation and cool weather in March have resulted in an increase in mountain snowpack and raised the runoff forecast to slightly above normal,” said Brian Sauer, Reclamation hydraulic engineer.
“These releases will help reduce the risk of greater flooding impacts later in the spring which can occur with warm temperatures, rapidly melting snow, and precipitation.”
Officials will continue to advise people of the dangers associated with increased flows, such as rapidly moving deep water and cold temperatures near 45 degrees.
For further information contact: John Redding, (208) 378-5212 or Brian Sauer, (208) 383-2282. www.usbr.gov
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Credit: Ada County Sheriff’s Office