Contact: Cindy Henriksen, Reservoir Control Center, (503) 808-3945

June 16, 2006, 7 p.m. Pacific Time

SEATTLE -- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers water managers increased spills at Libby Dam as more rain than was forecasted increased the inflows to Lake Koocanusa. Forecasts generated by the National Weather Service River Forecast Center are used by the Corps to make decisions on dam operations. The Kootenai River is expected climb above flood stage by late Saturday morning in Bonners Ferry, Idaho.

At Libby Dam, water is being passed through the powerhouse and spillway. The increase in outflows slows the refill of the reservoir. A total of 46,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) is now being passed through Libby Dam and is expected to continue through the weekend. This is an increase from the 43,000 cubic feet per second previously planned. Higher outflow through the night is a possibility.

Corps emergency management teams have been on the ground this past month and are currently in Montana and northern Idaho, providing technical assistance at sites that have been affected by rising rivers. In Bonners Ferry where the river is expected to rise near or above flood stage this week, the Corps is assisting local emergency management officials with strengthening levees and providing assessments on weakened structures. In Montana, the Corps is monitoring the situation and working with local emergency management officials on identifying areas of concern.

The public is urged to be aware and take caution near the river during these higher flows. The water velocities are high and water temperatures are still quite cold. An added danger is debris accumulation along the river and possible stream bank erosion in some locations.

River forecasts are being monitored and Libby operations may be adjusted as new information becomes available.

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