Green Mountain releases to Lower Blue bump up

[klamb]

Just sent this message:

Howdy all,
A lot of you have been calling or e-mailing to ask when our releases to the Lower Blue will bump up again. The answer is: today!

We are bumping up releases from the dam to the Lower Blue in two intervals today. The first was this morning; the second will be later this afternoon/early evening. Both increases are in 90 cfs increments.

As a result, in the course of today, we will go from 60 cfs to around 240 cfs in the Lower Blue.

The reason for the change earlier than expected is, again, run-off. We had thought all the snowpack in the Blue River basin would begin tapering off more than it has. We don't want to fill the reservoir too soon and force a "spill." So, we are trying to better pace the rate of fill in the reservoir as runoff begins to slow, however slightly. Currently, we are bypassing some of the higher inflow to slow the filling of the reservoir a little bit.

Weather--particularly this heat--is making the guessing game extra challenging this year. I do not know what to expect for the weekend, but am guessing we'll be releasing in the 200s. Of course, the weather just might make a liar out of me. So, as always, be sure to check the gage before you head up to the Lower Blue.

If we do change our release, I'll send another note tomorrow. Feel free to call, e-mail, PM with any questions, etc.
Best,
Kara