Commissioners agree to keep river outflow at 40 CFS for another week
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Summary
The board voted to maintain outflow at 40 cubic feet per second for one more week as county hydrologists monitor reservoir levels and snowpack; staff will notify state water managers by email.
Granite County commissioners voted on May 20 to keep the regulated outflow from the county reservoir at 40 cubic feet per second (CFS) for an additional week while officials monitor streamflow and snowpack conditions.
County staff reported the reservoir was 4.68 feet below full pool and streamflow at the U.S. Geological Survey gauge showed about 44 CFS downstream outflow. A staff member summarized modeling and snowpack observations and recommended maintaining the 40 CFS release for now.
During the discussion, one staff member noted that the USGS gauge might be off by “two or three CFS,” a factor the commissioners asked staff to consider. Another staffer said Peterson Meadows Snotel indicated significant remaining snow moisture that could increase inflows if temperatures warm.
A commissioner moved to continue the 40 CFS release for another week; commissioners approved and asked staff to send an email notification to state water managers documenting the decision.
Staff said if inflows increase rapidly the county may need to reduce the setpoint to allow the reservoir to refill more quickly; if downstream conditions warrant, staff also said they may need to open additional gates. The county will monitor USGS data and Snotel reports and update the board if conditions change.