Reclamation to Release Water Below Lewiston Dam to Address Fish Health Concerns in the Klamath Basin

LEWISTON, Calif. - The Bureau of Reclamation, in coordination with the Yurok and Hoopa Valley tribes, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other partners have approved an increase to flows below Lewiston Dam to reduce the risk of disease for salmon migrating from the ocean to the Klamath and Trinity rivers. Starting Aug. 28 through Sept. 21, flows below Lewiston Dam will increase from approximately 450 cubic feet per second to as much as 1,200 cfs. This is a planned release and does not affect water supply to agriculture, communities, or other environmental obligations. The public is urged to take all necessary precautions on or near the river while flows are increased during this period.

Due to upstream storage, temperatures on the river are able to be managed at optimal temperature and flow to support protected and commercial species.

Reclamation and its partners are working together to alleviate stressful environmental conditions that can lead to rapid disease transmission for migrating adult salmon. Additional water releases from Lewiston Dam are intended to counteract low water levels and high-water temperatures in the lower Klamath River. Each year, salmon like Chinook and coho migrate from the ocean and hold in the Lower Klamath and Trinity rivers prior to moving upstream to spawn.

Reclamation will continue to work with partners, fisheries experts and stakeholders to monitor conditions. If the need arises, the target flow would be maintained through Sept. 21, with daily Lewiston Dam releases ranging from approximately 1,000 to 1,200 acre-feet. The flow augmentation is anticipated to utilize approximately 35,000 acre-feet of water from Trinity Reservoir, which is currently at 109% of historical average for this date.

During these elevated releases, river levels will rise, and currents will be fast and cold. Members of the public are strongly urged to exercise caution and follow all appropriate safety measures when near or on the river.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits.