Contact: Cindy Henriksen (503) 808-3945 or Greg Hoffman at (406) 293-7751 (ext. 255)

SEATTLE - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plans to increase flows from Libby Dam to full powerhouse capacity (approximately 25,000 cfs)  to coincide with peak inflows below the dam, which may occur as early as mid-May, 2006.  Flows will remain at full powerhouse capacity for up to 14 days, and will be followed by flows of up to 20,000 cfs.  This operation is consistent with achieving the habitat attributes supportive of Kootenai River white sturgeon spawning and early life stage survival as recommended  in the 2006 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Biological Opinion regarding the effects of Libby Dam operations on Kootenai River white sturgeon, bull trout, and sturgeon critical habitat.

The Corps will not intentionally exceed elevation 1764 at Bonners Ferry from the dam unless required to do so for flood control purposes. 

There will be a public meeting in Libby, Mont., on May 10 at 7:00 p.m. MDT at the Ponderosa Room of Libby City Hall.  Details of the operation will be discussed at this time.

For further information, please contact Cindy Henriksen at (503) 808-3945 regarding spring flows, or Greg Hoffman at (406) 293-7751 (ext. 255) concerning Libby Dam operations.