Snake River water update.

Subject: 2019 Upper Snake River Operations Update

Purpose: The purpose of this Operations Update is to provide information regarding Reclamation's operations as the season progresses. The operations identified are based on the best available data at the time and are subject to change as new information becomes available. For additional information and resources, please visit our website at: https://www.usbr.gov/pn/hydromet/uppersnake/ .

Summary

The Upper Snake reservoir storage content is currently 84% full. According to the NRCS the snow water equivalent percent of median above American Falls is 108% today. Winter flows from the upper Snake River facilities have remained constant since irrigation season finished last year.

Current Reservoir Levels and Discharges

Jackson Lake Dam: 78% full, discharge 475 cfs.

Palisades Dam: 81% full, discharge 900 cfs.

Island Park Dam: 88% full, discharge 600 cfs.

Ririe Dam: 61% full, discharge 0 cfs.

American Falls Dam: 88% full, discharge 650 cfs.

Minidoka Dam: 92% full, discharge 765 cfs.

Milner Dam: 4 feet below full, discharge 0 cfs.

Upcoming Changes

Beginning Tuesday February 19^th,2019, flows from American Falls Dam, Minidoka Dam and Milner Dam will be raised to manage the fill rate of American Falls Reservoir. Most of the flow being increased out of American Falls Dam on Tuesday will be ultimately be passed below Milner Dam beginning the morning of the 19^th and continue to increase throughout the day until flow by Milner Dam reaches approximately 900 cfs.

The release schedule for each of the dams making release changes on Tuesday February 19^th are:

· American Falls Dam: Increase discharges from 650 cfs up to 2000 cfs throughout the morning of Tuesday February 19^th.

· Minidoka Dam: Increase discharges from 765 cfs up to 1,855 cfs throughout the morning of Tuesday February 19^th.

· Milner Dam: Increase discharges from 0 cfs up to approximately 900 cfs throughout the day of Tuesday February 19^th.