BOATING -- The elevation of Lake Roosevelt was 1278 feet Wednesday and is expected to range from 1270 to 1278 through mid-February as the dam operates primarily for providing power, the Bureau of Reclamation reports.

Although local snowpacks are thin, the status of the Columbia  Basin, which ranges well into Canada, is bright for Columbia River hydropower and fish. Says the Bureau:

The January Water Supply Forecasts have been issued. Currently the inflow forecast for Lake Roosevelt is 95% of average. The forecast for the Dalles is 97% of average.

The following are flood control elevations forecast for Lake Roosevelt but subject change:

• January 31 - 1290 feet
• February 31 - 1290 feet
• March 31 - 1276.8 feet
• April 31 - 1243.2 feet

Daily lake level forecast by phone: (800) 824-4916.

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