It’s the 20th of June, almost summer. There is more water (frozen) at the Trinity Mountain snow site than there ever was in 2010.
Bureau of Reclamation and USGS Study
The Bureau of Reclamation and the US Geological Survey are teaming up on a study of the South Fork Boise River. Work began in the past few months with the goal of a better understanding of the spawning habitats.
Agency scientists are starting by gathering existing data, conducting sample location reconnaissance, and developing a sampling design for the project. The reason for this step is, “to provide statistical rigor to future sampling efforts, develop a consistent sampling plan, and determine the appropriate level of spatial and temporal sampling.”
From 1,600 cfs to 600 cfs
Flows on Sunday were 1,600 cfs. Then on Monday the flows dropped to 1,000 cfs. After less than 24 hours flows dropped to 600 cfs.
Tagged flows
Summer 2010 flow assessment
Today the flows at Anderson Ranch Dam were decreased by 200 cfs to the summer “normal” flow of 1,600 cfs (first graph). The salmon flow augmentation releases concluded July 15.
Cold, wet mid May = more water later
Last weekend snow blanketed the Boise Front with 16 inches recorded at Bogus Basin. Trinity Mountain in the Upper South Fork Boise River picked up about four inches, but it’s the cool weather before and after that has kept more water stored in the mountain snow than in Anderson Ranch Reservoir.
The flows from Anderson Ranch were increased to 1,600 cfs during the week to help meet irrigation demand and this appears to have stopped the filling of Anderson Ranch because there is little snow melt in the high country.
South Fork Partners
