SEATTLE DISTRICT

Libby Dam Project is a multi-purpose water resource development.  Its purposes are flood reduction, hydropower, recreation, and environmental stewardship. We recognize that our day to day activities in operating a facility such as Libby Dam have a direct impact on the environment. Our goal is to operate Libby Dam to minimize negative impacts on the environment through pollution prevention and mitigation, and we are committed to continual improvement.  Our commitment is to comply with environmental legislation, rules, and regulations. We encourage environmental stewardship at every level throughout the organization.

December 13, 2018

Current Koocanusa Reservoir elevation: 2424.55 feet 
Current Koocanusa Reservoir inflow: ~3 kcfs
Current Libby Dam outflow: 15 kcfs
Current Kootenai River elevation at Bonners Ferry: 1752.32 feet

Libby dam continues to be drafted to meet end of December flood targets. Based on the December Water Supply Forecast, the end-of-December pool target is 2415.7 feet. 

Scheduled flow changes through December 21st are as follows:

Releases will be decreased down to 10 kcfs over the weekend:

Date                             Time MST               Change                Flows
Saturday, 12/15            00-04                      decrease             15 kcfs to 10 kcfs
Sunday, 12/16              22-23                      increase              10 kcfs to 15 kcfs

Load shaping will occur during the week:
Date                             Time MST               Change                Flows
Monday, 12/17              0100                       increase              15 kcfs to 25 kcfs
                                     05-06                      decrease             25 kcfs to 21 kcfs
Tuesday, 12/18             0600                       increase              21 kcfs to 25 kcfs
                                     22-23                      decrease             25 kcfs to 21 kcfs
Wednesday, 12/19        0600                       increase              21 kcfs to 25 kcfs
                                     22-23                      decrease             25 kcfs to 21 kcfs
Thursday, 12/20           0600                       increase               21 kcfs to 25 kcfs
                                     22-23                      decrease             25 kcfs to 21 kcfs
Friday, 12/21                0600                       increase               21 kcfs to 25 kcfs
                                     22-23                      decrease             25 kcfs to 20 kcfs
        
Short term forecasts for Libby Dam elevations and inflow: 
http://www.nwrfc.noaa.gov/river/station/flowplot/flowplot.cgi?lid=LYDM8 

Short term forecasts for Libby Dam outflow: 
http://www.nwrfc.noaa.gov/river/station/flowplot/flowplot.cgi?lid=KBDM8 

Additionally, projected inflows and reservoir operations at Libby Dam through next summer can be found here: 
http://www.nws.usace.army.mil/About/Offices/Engineering/HydraulicsandHydrology/OperationalProjections.aspx