Salmon migrating up the Klamath and Trinity Rivers from the ocean are at risk of disease due to low and slow water levels, so the Bureau of Reclamation will boost flows from Lewiston Dam starting Friday and continuing through September 21st. The release is being done in coordination with the Yurok and Hoopa Tribes and, because it’s a planned release, it will not affect the water supply to agriculture, communities or other uses to the south. The increase will be significant, going from about 450 cubic feet per second to as high as 1,200 CFS. Trinity lake is currently at about 109% of its historical average. Meanwhile, the Bureau will also increase flows in the Upper Klamath River starting Friday to provide suitable conditions for the Yurok Tribe’s “Boat Dance Ceremony”, which will also bode well for the Salmon migration.
-Steve Gibson