Warning: Boise River Flows To Increase 1000cfs Above Flood Level by Weekend
The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning in effect till further notice. The Flood Warning continues for the Boise river as the Bureau of Reclamation releases more water
The Bureau of Reclamation and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have just announced that they will continue to increase flows from Lucky Peak Dam beginning today due to above-normal winter precipitation
and warmer temperatures causing increased snow melt.
Flows through the City of Boise will increase from the current flow of 7,750 cubic-feet-per-second (cfs) to 8,000 cfs on Friday, (3/24)
These adjustments in releases from the reservoir system are necessary to help reduce the risk of increased flooding later in the spring, which can happen with rapidly melting snow and seasonal precipitation.
A flow rate of 7,000 cfs is considered flood-stage level at the Glenwood Bridge gauge on the Boise River. At about 8,000 cfs, larger sections of the Boise Greenbelt adjacent to the river will be submerged, and erosion of river banks may become even more of a problem than we’ve already seen. And Boise isn't the only place seeing flooding according to KTVB News.
Things to be aware of is that flooding will more than likely occur on sections of Eagle Island also and in other low spots near the river. Some roads in low-lying areas may experience flooding. Some homes and businesses may experience water in their basements due to subterranean water level increases. Floating debris could become a problem if large quantities collect on bridges and Impact river flows.
Boise River reservoirs are at approximately 58 percent of capacity. Keep in mind that even more flow increases are possible in the coming weeks, depending on weather conditions and keep checking here at mix106radio.com for continuing updates as we find out more.
For real-time Boise River flows at Reclamation facilities in the Pacific Northwest Region visit, http://www.usbr.gov/pn/hydromet/rtindex/boise.html.