Hydroelectric Project Operation updates current conditions for Flathead Lake
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POLSON — Representatives from Energy Keepers, Inc., NorthWestern Energy, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and Bureau of Indian Affairs conferred on May 24 regarding current and projected operation of the Seli’š Ksanka Qlispe (formerly Kerr) Project. The current outflow is about 22,000 cubic feet per second and the lake elevation, as of June 1 at midnight, was 2,891.8 feet. In May, the natural stream flow averaged 92 percent of average, which is calculated on historical data from 1981-2010. Precipitation accumulation was 127 percent of normal as measured by the National Weather Service at the SKQ Dam. June’s natural inflow is forecast to be about 79.6 percent of normal. As of June 1, the Flathead Basin’s current snow water equivalent is 80 percent of normal. EKI estimates that the average outflow will be approximately 15,900 cfs through mid-June with an end of June target of 2892.8 feet, bringing the lake to full capacity.
Current water supply forecasts show June- September at about 81 percent of normal. EKI is a Tribally-owned corporation with which CSKT has delegated the authority and responsibility to manage, operate and maintain the SKQ Project on behalf of CSKT.
Further questions and comments can be directed to: Emily Corrigan, En
