Flathead River flows about 82 percent of normal

Flathead Lake should have enough inflow to keep it at required elevations through this year.

The natural stream flows for August averaged about 90 percent of normal and flows in September have been about 82 percent of normal, according to Pacific Power and Light, owners of Kerr Dam. Based on current information, PPL Montana anticipates that inflows will be adequate to meet river flows and lake elevations through the end of the year.

Representatives from PPL Montana, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes conferred last week regarding current and projected operation of the Kerr Dam. The outflow is about 4,270 cubic feet per second and the lake elevation, as of Sept. 16, was 2,892.69 feet, which is 0.31 feet from full elevation of 2,893 feet.

The project is being operated taking into account the previous month and the current stream flows.

In March 2002, PPL Montana filed a drought management plan with the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Interior for approval. The department is conducting an environmental review of PPL Montana’s proposal and considering alternatives. A final plan has not been issued. In the interim, the dam will continue to be adjusted as appropriate.