As of this announcement date, peak runoff has not occurred, though it is approaching. The lake will peak soon after. The goal will be to have the lake to at least 3.0 feet by Friday, May 23rd. Weather and precipitation will influence the level the lake peaks at as well as the time it reaches peak. Once peak lake level has occurred, the lake level will be stabilized through gate operations.
As you’re likely aware, the type-of-year designation determines whether the lake level will be stabilized at 3.0 feet (for wet years) or between 3.0 to 3.5 feet (for dry years), in accordance with Idaho Code 70-507. We’ve reviewed information from several agencies to make the type-of-year determination.
The National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) forecast issued in early May shows below average values of streamflow volume are expected for the Priest River basin.
In accordance, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released a Seasonal Outlook for temperature and precipitation that predicts hotter and drier-than-normal conditions for North Idaho in the May through July timeframe.
The US Drought Monitor reports current conditions are abnormally dry for the Idaho panhandle.
Furthermore, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) reports soil moistures of 10% or less in the Idaho Panhandle, suggesting drought conditions.
These predictions all point to a “dry” type of year, and therefore, operations are planned to hold the lake level between 3.0 and 3.5 feet during the recreation season. Specifically, IDWR plans to hold the lake at 3.38 feet early in the recreation season. Once flow in the Priest River drops to 200 cfs (likely in July or August), the lake level will be allowed to drop gradually from its current level to 3.0 feet through September 30th to augment the river flow.
Additional updates will be released in the May-June time frame, and any revisions to the plan will be announced then.
For questions contact Michelle Richman, IDWR Northern Regional Manager, northerninfo@idwr.idaho.gov or (208) 762-2800.
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