Lake Roosevelt levels continue downward trend
RESERVOIRS -- The elevation of Lake Roosevelt is slowly going down into the 1268-1264 feet range. Lake Roosevelt is now being operated for flood control and is continuing to meet power demand, Hanford Reach flows and tailwater flows for chum below Bonneville Dam.
The March Water Forecast has been released by the Bureau of Reclamation. Flood control elevations for Lake Roosevelt are as follows:
- March 31 – 1268.4 feet
- April 15 - 1252.4 feet
- April 30 – 1237.0 feet
For a daily forecast call 800-824-4916. This forecast is updated at 3 p.m. each day.
As a reminder, flood control elevations are the MAXIMUM elevations for Lake Roosevelt to be able to accommodate the anticipated spring runoff. Lake levels can be lower due to increased demand for power, supplementing downstream flows for fish, emergencies, etc. This is the current situation in which the flood control elevation is above the actual level of the lake. The forecast is based upon the weather and the flood control elevation may change with the April forecast.
For more detail concerning the forecast for the Columbia River System visit the website:
http://www.nwd-wc.usace.army.mil/report/colsum/201203.pdf