Lake level to be lowered in October
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Representatives from PPL Montana, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Indian Affairs conferred Sept. 12 regarding current and projected operation of the Kerr Project. The current outflow is about 3,900 cubic feet per second, and the lake elevation, as of Sept. 13, is 2,892.65 feet, which is 0.35 feet from full elevation of 2,893 feet.
The project is being operated taking into account the previous month and the current stream flows. The natural stream flows for August averaged about 115 percent of normal, and flows in September have been about 79 percent of normal.
Based on current information, PPL Montana anticipates that the lake elevation will be maintained near its current level through the end of September. In October, the lake will be drafted to an elevation of about 2,891 feet by the end of the month. By the end of December, the lake elevation is planned to be at 2,888 feet. However, the operation of the project, and in particular, decisions with respect to lake levels, are subject to constant monitoring, re-evaluation and change as weather patterns themselves may rapidly change. Weather conditions will be monitored throughout September and appropriate operational changes will be made, if necessary.
In March 2002, PPL Montana filed a drought management plan with the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Interior for approval. The department is currently conducting an environmental review of PPL Montana’s proposal and considering alternatives. A final DMP has not been issued. In the interim, the operation will continue to be evaluated and adjusted, as appropriate, in consultation with the parties involved and with consideration of the PPL Montana draft DMP criteria. If conditions dictate, an ad hoc consultation with the parties involved will occur prior to the next monthly call.
For more information, contact Deb Mullowney, PPL Montana, at 406-533-3508.
