Boise River Flows Will Increase 800% This Week
Playing in and around the Boise river can be dangerous at any time, but this week could be even more so as the flows are expected to increase at least 800% by this weekend.
The Bureau of Reclamation and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are increasing flows from Lucky Peak Dam because of above-normal winter precipitation into the Boise River drainage.
Flows through the City of Boise will increase from the current flow of 240 cubic-feet-per-second (cfs) to approximately 750 cfs on today (Monday), February 13th. Incremental increases are expected through the week, resulting in a flow of approximately 2,000 cfs by Friday, February 17th.
These releases are necessary to help reduce the risk of flooding later in the spring, which can happen with rapidly melting snow and seasonal precipitation.
Boise River reservoirs are at approximately 53 percent of capacity. Additional flow increases are possible in the coming weeks, depending on weather conditions.
I know the weather is cold and so is the water, so people probably aren't playing in the river much, but keep in mind that dogs playing could be swept away by the swift current and if people fishing should be aware of problems that could surface because of increased flows.
Officials are advising the public to be aware of the danger associated with increased Boise River flows. The water is deep, cold, and fast, so extreme caution should be used near the river banks.
People can view real-time data of flows at Reclamation facilities in the Pacific Northwest Region at http://www.usbr.gov/pn/hydromet/rtindex/boise.html.