Kerr Hydroelectric Project update shows low water outflow

Representatives from PPL Montana, Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Bonneville Power Administration, and Bureau of Indian Affairs conferred on Nov. 14 regarding current and projected operation of the Kerr Project. The current outflow is about 10,700 cubic feet per second (cfs) and the lake elevation, as of Nov. 20, is 2,890.35 feet, which is 2.65 feet from the full elevation of 2893.0 feet.

The project’s operations take into account the previous month and the current stream flows. The natural stream flows for October averaged about 92 percent of normal.

Based on current information, the lake will be drafted to an elevation of about 2,889.8 feet by the end of the November.

By the end of December, the lake elevation is planned to be at 2,888 feet. However, the operation of the project, and in particular, decisions with respect to lake levels, are subject to constant monitoring, re-evaluation and change as weather patterns themselves may rapidly change. Weather conditions will be monitored throughout November and December and appropriate operational changes will be made if necessary.

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 currently conducting an environmental review of PPL Montana’s proposal and considering alternatives. A final DMP has not been issued. In the interim, the operation will continue to be evaluated and adjusted, as appropriate, in consultation with the parties involved and with consideration of the PPL Montana draft DMP criteria.

For more information, contact Deb Mullowney, PPLMontana, at 533-3508.