Lake Levels

Hey Bear Lakers! Let the summer begin.   Just thought we'd give you a quick update on lake levels and expectations. Today the lake is at 5917.19, for reference, this is about where it was last year in Mid August.   It looks like we are peaking at just one inch above the predicted high. The big difference from the April predictions is in the timing. It was thought that we would probably peak and start pumping in early May, but the surly weather of April and May postponed both the runoff and the need for irrigation.    PacifiCorp stopped diverting water into the lake on May 5th, but started again on the 21st, as they had enough water in the lower reaches and the irrigators want to save all they can.    However, today May 24, seems to be the pivot point, the inflows are dropping and irrigation demand is increasing, so the Outlet will be opened with a target of passing 200 cfs on downstream. How much water arrives in the river will determine if there is any left over to be stored in Bear Lake. Most likely the pumping will start soon if the river continues to fall. (Remember from the April email, that Woodruff Narrow Reservoir will be filling, taking all of the flow until they fill because the lake is above 5911.)   So where we go from here only Mother Nature knows! Have a great summer and don't forget the Annual Meeting and Social June 29th, 4:30PM at the Reserve Lodge. Watch for your invitation in the mail.   See you there, Claudia & David

Claudia & David Cottle Executive Directors Bear Lake Watch, Inc. 4544 Hwy 89 Fish Haven, Idaho 83287 801-243-8980 - Claudia 208-530-0058 - David Working to keep Bear Lake "Clean, Deep and Blue"