Dillon Dam Forecast – February 12, 2015
February 12th, 2015
Water releases from Dillon Dam into the Blue River this morning saw a drop of 30% from yesterday’s high flow of 311 cfs. Currently, the flow through Silverthorne stands at 203 cfs. In a conversation with Denver Water earlier today, they laid out a plan for the near future for Dillon Reservoir and what to expect on the Blue River.
As of today it looks as if we are on the downward trend. The plan calls for a steady release to hold in the range of 150 – 200 cfs for the next couple of days. After which it should pull back slightly and run in the 125 – 175 range for the better part of the second half of the month.
This drop in flows should not have any adverse impact on the fishing through town — action has been very good over the past two weeks of elevated flows. Although those flows are pulling back, the key is that it is still a tailwater release. Any bottom release with a rate over 100 cfs is a “Shrimp positive” situation. At that level there is enough energy to keep a steady stream of Mysis flowing into the Blue.
The important thing to remember with all of this information is that it is a fluid situation, no pun intended. Meaning things could and do change depending on multiple factors including weather, storage capacities, snow pack, and facility issues. While this may be what Denver Water projects at the moment, it wouldn’t surprise us to see a deviation from this plan. Denver Water has been very forthcoming with information every time we have talked and has done their best to keep us updated. Don’t hesitate to call for up to the minute conditions or any questions regarding how this all affects the fishing.