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Flows Boosted from Dworshak Dam to Cool Snake River by Associated Press Metal Producing & Processing, June 29, 2006

OROFINO -- Federal dam managers are having to increase flows out of Dworshak Dam in northcentral Idaho to keep temperatures in the Snake River downstream cool enough to meet water quality standards.

As a result, the Army Corps of Engineers says boaters on the sprawling Dworshak Reservoir this Independence Day weekend will see the lake level drop between three and six feet.

That rapid change in pool elevation could strand boaters who tie up along shore or camp overnight in the popular recreation area.

Corps officials say they try to keep the lake full for recreation purposes through the July 4th weekend, but the recent heat wave in eastern Washington has caused Snake River temperatures to rise faster than normal.

The water released from the dam is significantly cooler and should reduce the warming effect in the Lower Snake.