JACKSON, Wyo. — As of Thursday, June 20, early season high water flows have begun to slow down after peaking during the first two weeks in June, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
High flows generally occur anywhere from late May to mid-June, and the fast moving currents along the Snake River, impacted boaters.
The Teton Conservation District reported in April that Jackson Lake and Palisades Reservoir levels were higher than last year, due to abundant streamflows and precipitation during the previous irrigation season. Jackson Lake increased from 66% to 75% and Palisades increased from 57% to 92% since October.
This past week, water levels in the Snake River, Flat Creek and Fish Creek have been recorded at normal levels, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
According to Teton Whitewater’s River Report on June 20, the Snake River near Jackson is currently at 8,000 cubic feet per second (CFS), which is considered a normal range. Any level above 14,000 CFS is considered to be a high flow on the Snake River. The forecast is based on current river levels, weather and reservoir conditions
The U.S. Geological Survey has observed Snake River water levels to be at 4.99 feet as of 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 20. The flood stage for the Snake River is 10 feet. The gage height for Fish Creek is 3.35 feet as of 9 a.m. today.
Water recreationists are reminded that river conditions can change dramatically throughout the summer with sudden storms or heavy rain in the upper watershed. Water temperature can also vary as much as six degrees or more in a single day.
