JACKSON, Wyo. — The Bureau of Reclamation started increasing flows out of the Jackson Lake dam on Monday, from 280 cfs to a planned 2,000 cfs expected to be reached by Thursday. With the increase in flow, agencies are reminding river users to plan accordingly.
Snake River Fund, Grand Teton National Park and Teton County Search & Rescue have all shared information on their social media channels urging river users to wear a life jacket. Snake River Fund said river users should expect changing conditions and new features to appear as large items such as downed trees and other debris could shift as flows increase.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the median flow for the Snake River near Moran on July 11, based on 119 years of data, is 3,380 cfs. The highest flow was recorded in 1984 at 8,980 cfs. As of 11:45 a.m. July 11, the flow is at 903 cfs.
While this increase in flow won’t break any records, the jump from 280 cfs to 2,000 cfs will have some level of impact.
In May, the Bureau of Reclamation threatened to reduce flows to 50 cfs out of Jackson Lake dam but an agreement between the State of Wyoming and the Bureau of Reclamation was reached to maintain flows at 280 cfs.
