The Bureau of Reclamation announced last week that they will be increasing flows from Flaming Gorge Dam on the Green River starting today, Tuesday, May 26th. As of May 20th, the Reservoir pool elevation was at 6,027 feet which is 87 percent of live storage. The daily releases have been at 950 cubic feet per second(cfs). Flows will gradually begin on May 26th to reach an initial peak on May 27th of approximately 6,600 cubic feet per second and may increase an additional 2,000 cfs on Saturday, May 30th to a peak flow of 8,600 cfs. Flows are expected to begin declining on Sunday, May 31st. “Reclamation urges rafters, fishermen and anybody recreating or working along the Green River below Flaming Gorge Dam to exercise increased caution as the river will run high, swift and cold—conditions that can quickly overcome even the strongest swimmer,” shares the Bureau of Reclamation. “Combined with forecasted flows from the Yampa River, which is unregulated and joins the Green River below Flaming Gorge Dam in Dinosaur National Monument, flows near Jensen, Utah, are expected to be at or below 18,600 cfs. Flood stage capacity at Jensen is approximately 24,000 cfs. Reclamation will closely monitor actual and forecast flows and will reduce Flaming Gorge Dam release rates if the Yampa River is projected to considerably exceed current forecasts. Those recreating on, working around or traveling to the Green River below Flaming Gorge Dam should monitor river conditions by checking the Reclamation’s website and all posted signs at river access points.” For more information, visit www.usbr.gov.
