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2017 Libby Dam Kootenai Sturgeon Operations

Learn about the 2017 sturgeon operations at Libby Dam on the Kootenai River, including the two-pulse operation and its impact on sturgeon migration and spawning. Telemetry data shows a 20% increase in tagged adult sturgeon migrating upstream of Bonners Ferry. Flow management and habitat projects contribute to the positive situation.

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2017 Libby Dam Kootenai Sturgeon Operations

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  1. 2017 Libby Dam Kootenai Sturgeon Operations 2017 TMT End of Year Jason Flory US Fish & Wildlife Service

  2. 2017 Conditions • May final April-August runoff volume: 8.19 MAF • 139% of average • Tier 5 under Libby Biological Opinion • 1.2 MAF for sturgeon volume • Bull trout minimum flow: 9 kcfs

  3. Sturgeon operations • Two-pulse operation • First pulse intended to trigger upstream migration and staging • Began May 15, lowered May 21 • Cold water • Second pulse intended to trigger further upstream migration and spawning towards end of peak • Began June 2, concerns over flood risk reduced planned Libby releases at start (to 22 kcfs) • Descending limb began June 11, volume exhausted June 19 • Warmer water released towards end of second pulse

  4. Sturgeon Response • IDFG telemetry data shows a 20% increase (above previous 5-year average) in the number of tagged adult sturgeon that migrated upstream of Bonners Ferry • Flow management, habitat project, both, or something else? • Regardless, it’s a good situation to be in!

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