The flow of water

The reservoir is designated by the Bureau of Reclamation as Fish & Wildlife, Flood Control, and Irrigation use. The reservoir serves as a water storage and supply facility, serving the irrigation needs of area farmers and ranchers. If all is well with Mother Nature, water levels increase during the winter and spring snowmelt, and is then released for irrigation diversion during the crop growing season.



The amount of water flow on the river is controlled by the irrigation needs of the farmers and ranchers in the area. We've found that irrigation needs are the primary reason for the release or non-release of water. There is usually little worry of too much water in the reservoir, and from what we experienced, drought conditions are the norm. However, the fields still get the needed water to grow the crops.


In the winter the flow of the river is often below 50 cfs, cut back extrememly low, so the reservoir is hopefully replenished. Come the spring, when the ranchers and farmers need water for new planting, it can flow above 1000 cfs - up to 1500 cfs. We've found there are usually 2 hay harvests, sometimes 3, so the water is often high. When the water is high it is difficult to float, let alone wade. When it is low it is impossible to float and wade fishing can also be difficult.