Reclamation issues safety warning to boaters on Lake Roosevelt

Details

Published: Friday, 12 May 2023 19:03

Bureau of Reclamation News Release: May 9, 2023

GRAND COULEE, Wash. – High river velocities and low reservoir levels at Lake Roosevelt have resulted in a failed log boom at the mouth of Kettle River, approximately 105 miles upstream of Grand Coulee Dam. The pressure of the water flow and accumulated debris pushing against the log booms caused a break in two places. The Bureau of Reclamation is advising people boating on Kettle River and Lake Roosevelt to exercise caution because of debris floating into the reservoir from the failure. The public will see more debris in the river and reservoir than normal.

Reclamation will safely repair the log boom when river velocities lower and the lake elevation levels rise—this may take several weeks. Currently, the river velocities are too high to safely attempt to repair the log boom. These current conditions and debris exposures could remain a concern and safety consideration until the lake has approached full pool.

Lake Roosevelt is part of the Columbia Basin Project. The project serves about 671,000 acres in east-central Washington.

Contact: Erika Lopez, ealopez@usbr.gov, 208-378-5101