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Higher Snake River Flows Mean Lower Jackson Lake Levels At Grand Teton National Park

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By Compiled From N... - May 27th, 2022

Releases from the Jackson Lake Dam at Grand Teton National Park mean higher flows down the Snake River through the park/NPS file

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation is increasing outflows from Jackson Lake, timed to coincide with the natural peak (high) flows. As higher temperatures across the basin are anticipated, Jackson Lake inflows, the Snake River, and major tributaries are forecasted to peak over the Memorial Day weekend.   

The increased flow release from Jackson Lake is designed to maximize benefits to the Snake River ecosystem through Grand Teton National Park and downstream, while meeting water delivery requirements per the 1949 Snake River Compact. Peak flows are important for maintaining river health by moving and depositing sediment, wood, nutrients, and vegetation along river corridors.

Grand Teton is increasing coordination efforts with interagency partners, including the Bureau of Reclamation and several other entities, to balance resource benefits and water delivery needs, review peak flows, and rampdown transition to fall baseflows.   

According to the Bureau of Reclamation, outflow from Jackson Lake Dam will increase and stay steady at 3,500 cfs over the Memorial Day weekend, and then on Tuesday, May 31, will be reduced to 2,600 cfs. The last change in this series of adjustments is a reduction in outflow on Wednesday, June 1, to 2,100 cfs. 

River users are advised to be aware of increasing flows on the Snake River and tributaries, and the possibility for new and changing river hazards as flows rise and recede through mid-June. All boaters are encouraged to know their skill level and wear a personal floatation device while on the river.

River runners need to possess the ability to efficiently maneuver around hazards over tight quarters and anticipate routes well in advance. Sight lines are short and channel options that existed hours before may be blocked. Boat operators may need to beach their boat to scout and choose an appropriate route. Those recreating on the Snake River should understand their skill level and consider avoiding the more challenging sections if unprepared. Information on flows and major hazards are listed on the weekly river report, posted at all Grand Teton Snake River launch site information boards. Visit the park’s boating and safety webpage to learn more. 

Jackson Lake storage is forecasted to reach a maximum of 45 percent full (6,747 feet) in 2022. Park concessions with marina facilities, including Grand Teton Lodge Company and Signal Mountain Lodge, are likely to modify operations in accordance with forecasted low lake levels. The Colter Bay Marina and associated activities will not open in 2022. In addition, it is likely that impacts to Signal Mountain and Leek’s Marinas will occur as early as the end of August. Park visitors with motorized boats should note that recreation opportunities will be increasingly limited in the park. Jackson Lake boat ramp levels are available at https://www.usbr.gov/pn/hydromet/ramps/jackson/jackson.html.  

Background 

Due to drought conditions throughout the West, water supply in the form of reservoir storage is in critical need. The Jackson Lake Dam, located on the Snake River in Grand Teton, contractually provides irrigation and flood risk management for the Upper Snake Basin. The Jackson Lake Dam raises the water level of the natural lake by 39 feet.  

According to the Bureau of Reclamation, the reservoir currently is 25 percent full and 40 percent of normal storage for the date. Outflow earlier this week was 2,100 cfs, and has been increased over several days to reach a peak outflow of 3,500 cfs. 

Resources 

For current river and reservoir data, please visit Reclamation’s Hydromet website at https://www.usbr.gov/pn/hydromet/uppersnake/. 

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