Upstream creek flows into Nevada Creek Reservoir have increased in recent days to a current average of 220 cfs. At this rate of flow, the reservoir will reach capacity and we will be spilling by this coming weekend. Added to this, current weather forecasts indicate sunny and warmer conditions during this same time frame. This is likely to result in even higher stream flows which will begin to pass through the reservoir. I am currently releasing 100 cfs from the reservoir, but this will obviously begin to increase as spilling begins. Therefore, downstream landowners can expect rising creek flows beginning this weekend, April 21-22. With record level snowpack, we can anticipate downstream flows from the reservoir to reach 300+ cfs, and quite possibly for extended periods. Weather conditions over the course of the next 2 months will dictate the timing and rate of these runoff flows.
There have been concerns expressed about the expected high flows and the condition of the dam/spillway. Please be assured that the dam undergoes regular routine inspections and is in good condition. We also have a new spillway that is more than capable of handling the anticipated flows, and will be monitored on a daily basis throughout the runoff. There have also been questions about why we haven’t discharged more water from the reservoir earlier in the season. The main reason for this is that downstream ice in the creek near Helmville prevented greater flows from passing without creating flood conditions in that area. The reservoir discharge was increased as that ice dissipated.
Updated flow and water supply information can always be monitored on the Nevada Creek website.