Both agencies will take necessary steps to maintain water flows and protect the fishery
Headquarter news
*Feb. 8, 2024??*
WGFD x BOR
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State of Wyoming and Bureau of Reclamation collaborate to maintain
flows below Jackson Lake Dam
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"The State of Wyoming intends to take the necessary steps to maintain water flows at an acceptable level for the fishery"
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*JACKSON *? The State of Wyoming and the Bureau of Reclamation Upper Snake Field Office have been working together to maintain flow releases from Jackson Lake Dam. Low snowpack above Jackson Lake and high storage contents in the upper Snake River reservoir system have led to a reservoir system imbalance, which creates the potential for storage loss to the upper Snake River system.
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Wyoming, in close collaboration with Reclamation, has decided to make available its 2023 storage water to support releases from Jackson Lake Dam consistent with the "Guidelines for Decision-Making in Operations of Wyoming?s Contracted Space in Palisades Reservoir" developed by Reclamation and Wyoming in 1996. Utilizing the Operational Guidelines this year will satisfy Wyoming?s need to maintain 280 cfs releases from Jackson Lake Dam during this winter and spring and protect the 4.5-mile stretch of river below the dam, while also allowing Reclamation to maintain its legal and contractual commitments to Idaho irrigators.
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The stretch of river below the dam is home to the world-famous Oxbow Bend and is critical habitat for Snake River cutthroat trout, shore birds, wildlife and the bluehead sucker ? a species of greatest conservation need. Any reduction of water flow below 280 cfs in this area can harm the ecosystem and negatively affect outdoor recreation, tourism and angler opportunities.
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?It was important that we get out in front of this possible scenario early and to engage in real-time coordination with our partners to adaptively manage releases,? said Jennifer Carrington, Reclamation regional director. ?Reclamation is committed to maintaining 280 cfs outflow from Jackson this winter/spring, while working with Idaho irrigators in the upper Snake to ensure their contractual entitlements are satisfied.??
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According to current forecasts, there is a high likelihood of a spill past Milner Dam in southern Idaho occurring this season before Jackson Lake fills. To support the fishery below Jackson Lake Dam, Wyoming has decided to exercise its water right and will call for 230 cfs of the 280 cfs Jackson outflow to be released from Wyoming?s 2023 allocation. If conditions improve in the coming weeks, however, a cease water order from Wyoming would be submitted.
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?The State Engineer's Office, Wyoming Water Development Office and Game and Fish will monitor water levels throughout the year and work with Reclamation to find workable solutions to maintain flows during the fall and winter months at levels that will avoid negative impacts to the Snake River ecosystem below Jackson Lake,? said Brian Nesvik, Wyoming Game and Fish director.?
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? WGFD ?
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*Link to the news release [ [link removed] ]*
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The Wyoming Game and Fish Department manages and conserves more than 800 species of fish and wildlife across Wyoming. ?For nearly 120 years, we?ve carried out our mission to conserve wildlife and serve people. Through these efforts, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department ensures the public continues to enjoy Wyoming?s vast fish and wildlife resource ?through ?hunting, fishing, trapping, wildlife watching and other forms of outdoor recreation. Hunters, anglers and wildlife watchers contribute over a billion dollars to Wyoming?s economy each year.
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