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

June 17, 2006, 9 a.m. Pacific Time

SEATTLE -- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers water managers increased water flow releases at Libby Dam this morning to 55,000 cubic feet per second as inflows came in higher than forecasted 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 was above flood stage at Bonners Ferry, Idaho, at 1764.8.

Corps emergency management teams are on the ground providing technical assistance at sites that have been affected. In Bonners Ferry the Corps is assisting local emergency management officials with strengthening levees and providing assessments on weakened structures. In Montana, the Corps is 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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