The Federal Bureau of Reclamation says that the wet winter and fullness of Lake Shasta will allow for pulse flows to improve the chances for Spring-Run Chinook Salmon to make it to the ocean and further the survival of the species. The sudden release of additional water serves to push the young Salmon downriver. The Spring Run usually experiences the worst conditions for the migration. The flows also may help Fall-Run Salmon recently released from Coleman Fish Hatchery. The pulse flow schedule begins Tuesday, with releases up to 11,000 cubic feet per second. The second pulse will be May 7th, up to 13,000 CFS, and the third will be May 21st, up to 15,000 CFS. The increased water volume will remain in the Central Valley Project, to be used by agricultural, municipal and industrial customers downriver. Lake Shasta is less than 6 feet from the crest of the dam.
– Steve Gibson