Rare rainfall means high flow on Kootenai
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June 21, 2013 |
A rare, extreme rainfall pattern developed over
the Kootenai and upper Columbia basins during
the last two days. Managers at Libby Dam have
increased outflow and are working to regulate
for extreme conditions.
Twenty four hour rainfall totals were
impressive; from one to six inches.
Greater amounts (~10") were seen near the
Continental Divide. The circulation of air and
uncommon track of an upper level low with
moisture mainly from the east, combined with
moisture from the Pacific, to produce this heavy
rainfall event.
The rainfall is winding down today, with drier
weather forecast Saturday.
The precipitation totals in the basin above
Libby Dam were four to six inches on June 20.
For relational value; in June of 2012 the basin
above Libby Dam had six inches for the entire
month, which was extremely high for a monthly
total in June.
"Today we expect to see a peak inflow of 90 kcfs
or higher," said Joel Finolio, U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers. "Base flow conditions earlier this
week were 30 kcfs of inflow to Koocanusa
Reservoir.
"Yesterday we increased releases from 16 kcfs to
powerhouse capacity of 25 kcfs, once we saw the
precipitation in Idaho and Montana drop off, to
control the refill rate of Koocanusa Reservoir.
"We will start to spill three kcfs this evening
and plan to do so through the weekend to save
space for any potential rainstorms through the
first part of July." |
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