Forecast suggests rapid increase to Kootenai River flows

Cooler than normal temperatures combined with above normal rain and snow is creating the threat of higher than normal Kootenai River flows.

"Residents and businesses in the river basin should be prepared for potentially swift water rises in a relatively short period of time once snowpack begins to melt," according to a press release.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has created water storage space for greater than normal inflows by drafting the Koocanusa Reservoir down to 2,354 feet, about 100 feet below capacity, on the reservoir side of Libby Dam, Libby, Mont.

The Corps is targeting a reservoir elevation of 2,348-2,351 feet. The reservoir will continue to be drafted at a rate of roughly one foot per day until the start of reservoir refill, projected for the first or second week of May.

Current high-elevation snowpack is 128 percent of normal and lower-elevation snowpack is 153 percent in the Kootenai River basin The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecast is for cooler than normal temperatures through June with continued higher than normal precipitation through May.

"Forecasts suggest we could see significant rapid rises in reservoir elevation, up to eight feet per day, by mid-May through mid-July," said Joel Fenolio, Upper Columbia Senior Water Manager for the Army Corps of Engineers. "The Kootenai River may be at or near flood stage for a period of time starting mid-May. Downstream tributaries to the Kootenai which are not controlled by Libby Dam, such as the Yaak, Moyie and Fisher Rivers, are expected to be at or above flood stage as well."

Public information meetings for Libby Dam operations are scheduled 7 p.m, May 9 at the Kootenai River Inn, Bonners Ferry, and 7 p.m. May 12 at Libby City Hall.