BOATING -- The level of Lake Roosevelt is near the elevation of 1,272 feet today, March 12, and lake levels are expected to remain between 1,270-1,273 for the next week., according to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.

However, a significant drawdown is expected based on current snowpack levels, and that's not great news to anglers who enjoy the trout and kokanee fishing at Lake Roosevelt.  The amount of carryover fish -- the beauties anglers have been catching this winter -- can be sharply reduced by big drawdowns that flush fish over Grand Coulee Dam and out of the reservoir.

 Grand Coulee Dam is being operated to meet power demand and the minimum tail water requirement of 11.5 feet below Bonneville Dam for chum and the 65 kcfs minimum Hanford Reach protection flows below Priest Rapids Dam.

The March Water Supply Forecasts show the inflow forecast for Lake Roosevelt is 98% of average. The forecast for the Dalles is 102% of average.  This forecast reflects the significant precipitation that was received during the month of February.
The following are flood control elevations for Lake Roosevelt:

• January 31 - 1290 feet
• February 31 - 1290 feet
• March 31 – 1266.8 feet
• April 31 – 1236.7 feet

The next Water Supply Forecast will be updated the week of April 7 and flood control elevations may change.

Get links to river flows in this region at The Spokesman-Review Outdoors topics page.

Get daily Lake Roosevelt level forecast by phone, updated daily at 3 p.m: (800) 824-4916.

Check out this NOAA site with Roosevelt levels and a list of boat launching elevations on the same page.