REDDING, Calif. - The Bureau of Reclamation, NOAA Fisheries, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced the plan today for pulse flow releases from Whiskeytown Dam into Clear Creek in May and June.
Pulse flows are rapid increases and decreases in dam-released flows, occurring over a short time frame. The release of water helps to advance recovery of threatened Central Valley spring-run Chinook salmon by attracting adult salmon to move upstream to take advantage of quality habitat.
The first spring pulse flow will begin on May 4 and reach a peak of 800 cubic feet per second on May 5. Flow rates will reduce to 200 cfs by May 15. The second spring pulse will begin June 15 and reach a peak of 500 cfs by June 16. Clear Creek Flows will reduce to a 150 cfs summer base flow by June 26.
During elevated releases, water levels will be higher with fast and cold currents. The public is urged to take appropriate safety precautions while flows are increased.
The spring pulse flows are consistent with the 2019 Biological Opinions for the Coordinated Long-Term Operation of the Central Valley Project and State Water Project. These pulse flows are intended to encourage spring-run Chinook salmon to migrate further upstream to access colder water temperatures, large holding pools and newly provided spawning gravel.
Water released as part of the pulse flows will remain within the Central Valley Project system and be available for use downstream by Reclamation water contractors, including agricultural and municipal and industrial users in the Central Valley.
For more information, contact Derek Rupert, Bureau of Reclamation, at drupert@usbr.gov.
Source: Bureau of Reclamation