Flooding This Week As Boise River Flow Increases to Flood Stage
The Bureau of Reclamation and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are again increasing flows from Lucky Peak Dam because of above-normal winter precipitation and warm weather…this time the increase flows will take us to official flood stage for the Boise River
Beginning March 6, flows through the City of Boise will increase incrementally till the flow reaches approximately 7,000 cfs, which is officially flood stage for the Boise River.
The Boise River is currently at 6000cfs, which while below flood stage, is still causing isolated flooding along the greenbelt.
These releases are necessary to help lower the risk of increased flooding later in the spring, which can happen with rapidly melting snow and seasonal precipitation.
Boise River reservoirs are at approximately 60% of capacity. Additional flow increases are possible in the coming weeks, depending on weather conditions which could cause additional flooding.
A flow rate of 7,000 cfs is considered flood-stage level at the Glenwood Bridge gauge. Some sections of the Greenbelt Trail adjacent to the river will be submerged. Erosion of river banks may become a problem. Minor flooding may be observed on sections of Eagle Island and in other low spots near the river.
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 if possible, activity near the river banks should be avoided.
People can view real-time data of flows at Reclamation facilities in the Pacific Northwest Region at https://www.usbr.gov/pn/hydromet/rtindex/boise.html.