Bureau of Reclamation to Provide Flushing Flow below Yellowtail Dam
BILLINGS, MONT.  — The Bureau of Reclamation will provide a flushing flow to the Bighorn River below Yellowtail Dam beginning Monday, April 9.  The flushing flow is being coordinated with Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks as part of a multi-year study aimed at restoring historic side channels and fish habitat in the Bighorn River.
The flushing flow is scheduled to begin at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, April 9, and be completed by 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 12.  During the flush, flows in the Bighorn River will be stepped-up incrementally from the current flow of 2,880 cubic feet-per-second (cfs) to a maximum of about 7,000 cfs and held at that rate for approximately 12 hours before stepping incrementally back down. The maximum flow of 7,000 cfs is expected to occur on Tuesday, April 10 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.  During the flushing flow, the river stage is expected to vary by approximately 2 feet.
River recreationists are advised to exercise extra caution throughout the duration of the flush. For additional information, please contact Paula Holwegner of the Montana Area Office, Bureau of Reclamation, at 406-247-7300.