Starting on Monday June 3rd, Flaming Gorge Dam will be increasing its release flows, according to a press release from the Bureau of Reclamation. The higher flow rates are based on many factors including snowmelt projections, current reservoir and river conditions, recent storm activity, current weather forecasts, and inputs from various bureaus and organizations. It will have a visible effect on the Green River as the water reaches the highest rate through the hydroelectric power plant of 4,500 cubic feet per second with another 4,000 cfs flowing through the dam’s two bypass tubes. To put it in perspective, downstream of the dam at Jensen, Utah, the flood stage capacity is about 24,000 cfs. The flow rate will raise the river to just below 22,000 cfs. Rafters, fishermen and anyone recreating are urged to exercise increased caution as the river will run high. There will be swift and cold- conditions that can very quickly overcome even the strongest of swimmers. The higher flow rates are expected to continue at those rates for the next seven days.
