News Release
| Release Number: | 04-162 |
| Dated: | 8/26/2004 |
| Contact: | Mike McAleer, 503-808-4510 |
Portland, Ore.- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is increasing the water releases through the William L. Jess Dam tonight in response to a slightly higher than forecasted Lost Creek Reservoir water level.
Water releases will increase from 1,800 cubic feet per second to 2,000 cubic feet per second. With weekend temperatures expected to reach the mid 90's, this additional water will help support the fall chinook run.
In preparation for the spawning season, water releases from Lost Creek will be gradually reduced beginning Sept. 11, with the goal of releasing 1,000 cubic feet per second by Sept. 21 and holding that release until the end of the month. Water releases in late September are normally regulated to assist spawning chinook. Lower flows allow the chinook to lay their eggs in areas that will remain in water until they hatch. If river flows are too high when the fish spawn, they may spawn in areas that will be dry once the river levels drop as the lake refills.
Corps projects in the Rogue Basin are operated to serve multiple needs: flood damage reduction, fisheries, irrigation, water supply, hydropower, water quality and recreation. The Corps' goal is to effectively balance these competing needs to serve the region and its people.
William L. Jess Dam is located on the Rogue River, 27 miles northeast of Medford, Ore. The dam was constructed in the 1970s to help reduce flood damages in the Rogue River Basin.