2017 has been a record water year in Mackay. In February, snow fall in the upper Big Lost River basin was reported by the National Resource Conservation Service as 400 % of normal. And, on top of that snow, approximately 3/4 inches of rain fell later in the month. We are now seeing the effects.
The Snotel gage at Lost-Wood Divide (top of Trail Creek Road) shows no snow for the past several days. The gage at Smiley Mountain (measures snow that will go into the East Fork of the Big Lost River) indicates there are still 26 inches of snow with 11 inches of water content (today 6-10-17).
The high runoff has peaked by all indications: Snotel gages and the White Horse that "Old Timers" used to determine when high water had peaked has disappeared from the m
ountains south of Barton Flatt. Interesting how old methods to determine when water runoff has peaked, have been verified by modern technology.
The water flow at the Howell Ranch gage (used to measure flow into the Mackay Reservoir) peaked at ~ 4200 cubic feet per second on June 5, 2017. This flow was reported as having been recorded only three times in the past 105 years. Water flow was almost at 4000 cubic feet per second on June 8 and again on June 9 but has steadily decreased to 2400 cubic feet per second as of the writing of this blog (17:30- 6-10-2017).
With this in mind, the Mackay Reservoir is full, The Big Lost River Irrigation District has been letting water out through the gates in preparation for the runoff for the past month. Thursday, the flow through the gates was 1910 cubic feet per second.
As you can see there is still the capacity to release more water
Some people who have not lived in the Mackay area for very long (less than 10 to 15 years) think this is abnormal. Those of us who have lived here for a while (Shirley and I for over 50 years) have see similar high water many times. This was a common sight in the 1950s through early 1970s and several times since.. We do admit that this is one of the most impressive for a long time. But like every time before, this too shall pass!!!
The Snotel gage at Lost-Wood Divide (top of Trail Creek Road) shows no snow for the past several days. The gage at Smiley Mountain (measures snow that will go into the East Fork of the Big Lost River) indicates there are still 26 inches of snow with 11 inches of water content (today 6-10-17).
The high runoff has peaked by all indications: Snotel gages and the White Horse that "Old Timers" used to determine when high water had peaked has disappeared from the m
ountains south of Barton Flatt. Interesting how old methods to determine when water runoff has peaked, have been verified by modern technology.
The water flow at the Howell Ranch gage (used to measure flow into the Mackay Reservoir) peaked at ~ 4200 cubic feet per second on June 5, 2017. This flow was reported as having been recorded only three times in the past 105 years. Water flow was almost at 4000 cubic feet per second on June 8 and again on June 9 but has steadily decreased to 2400 cubic feet per second as of the writing of this blog (17:30- 6-10-2017).
With this in mind, the Mackay Reservoir is full, The Big Lost River Irrigation District has been letting water out through the gates in preparation for the runoff for the past month. Thursday, the flow through the gates was 1910 cubic feet per second.
Water flowing from dam gates today.
As you can see there is still the capacity to release more water
Mackay Reservoir is full. Water started over the spillway yesterday afternoon (~15:30, 6-9-17)
Water entering Spillway of Mackay Dam
Water flowing in the spillway is about 3 inches deep in this photo
Water flowing from Mackay Dam Spillway down into the Big Lost River
Water flowing from Mackay Reservoir into the Big Lost River just below Dam gates
Water coming into the Mackay Reservoir as viewed from the bridge
on Fish Hatchery Road at Barton Flat.
The willows and bushes in the center of the pictures are normally on the river bank two to three feet above the surface of the water.
Big Lost River as viewed from Smelter Avenue bridge
Some people who have not lived in the Mackay area for very long (less than 10 to 15 years) think this is abnormal. Those of us who have lived here for a while (Shirley and I for over 50 years) have see similar high water many times. This was a common sight in the 1950s through early 1970s and several times since.. We do admit that this is one of the most impressive for a long time. But like every time before, this too shall pass!!!
Comments
Post a Comment