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Outfitters tell House committee 8,500-CFS Hell's Canyon flows pose public-safety risk
Summary
Erik Weiseth of the Idaho Outfitter and Guides Association told the House Resources & Conservation Committee that high flows at the Hell's Canyon Complex — 8,500 cubic feet per second during recreation season — present a significant public-safety concern and urged attention during Idaho Power's relicensing process.
Erik Weiseth, executive director of the Idaho Outfitter and Guides Association, told the House Resources & Conservation Committee on Feb. 5 that changes to river operations at the Hell's Canyon Complex could threaten public safety and local outdoor businesses. Weiseth said that "a water flow rate of 8500 CFS at Hell's Canyon Complex during the recreation season is a significant public safety issue" and outlined the association's priorities.
The Idaho Outfitter and Guides Association, established in 1954, represents guides and outfitters who said they depend on predictable river conditions for recreation-related commerce. Weiseth described the group's focus on allocation, keeping public lands in public hands, and the pending Idaho Power relicensing at Hell's Canyon, and he linked those concerns to safety and economic impacts for outfitters and river users.
Weiseth summarized the practical effects on operators and recreators and then stood for committee questions. The committee did not take immediate action on the relicensing issue during this meeting; instead the presentation served as a briefing for members to consider as related bills and administrative processes move forward.
