[env-trinity] Trinity Journal- Trinity River flows to spike for annual Hoopa Tribal ceremonies

[Tom Stokely]

Trinity River flows to spike for annual Hoopa Tribal ceremonies

http://www.trinityjournal.com/news/2011-08-24/Front_Page/Trinity_River_flows_to_spike_for_annual_Hoopa_Trib.html 

On Sunday, Aug. 28, at approximately 8 a.m., the Bureau of Reclamation will begin to increase releases from Lewiston Dam to the Trinity River for Hoopa Tribal ceremonial purposes. The increased flows in the Trinity River will also meet downstream needs and are based on flow adjustment rates that protect the public and fish and wildlife.

The increased releases will raise flows gradually from the summer base flow of 450 cubic feet per second (cfs) to a peak of 2,650 cfs by midnight Sunday. On Tuesday, Aug. 30, at approximately midnight, the flows will begin to be gradually reduced back to 450 cfs by 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 1.

Recreational river users should exercise extreme caution during the flow increase. Increased flows may pose a danger to swimmers, rafters, fishermen and others.

For more information, contact Robin Schrock at the Trinity River Restoration Program Office, 623-1800, or e-mailrschrock at usbr.gov.

Six Rivers National Forest officials are reminding forest visitors to be careful while recreating on forest lakes and rivers, especially on the Trinity River as the Bureau of Reclamation is increasing releases from Lewiston Dam into the river for Hoopa Tribal ceremonial purposes beginning Aug. 28. These increased flows will result in higher water levels, swifter currents, colder water and submerged hazards.

“With the upcoming Labor Day weekend, we want people to have fun while recreating on and around the river, but do so in a safe manner,” said Bob Hemus, river safety specialist for the Water Safety Coalition of Northwestern California.

“Since June, at least four people have drowned on local rivers,” Hemus said. “We cannot bring these lives back, but we can reduce the risk of future drownings by following the safety principles provided below.”

Some safety principles to keep in mind:

. River currents can be dangerous and may be stronger than they look. If you find yourself caught in a current, float on your back, feet downstream until the current weakens and you can swim to shore.

. Jumping or falling into cold water, because of the initial shock and rapid heat loss that follows, is especially dangerous and can lead to hypothermia.

. For anglers wearing waders, a belt should be secured around the top of the waders to prevent water from filling up the boots of a person who should accidentally fall or slip into the water or is caught by swift currents.

. Wear a life jacket for all river activities.

. Keep a close watch on children even if they are far from the water. They can quickly enter the water and get in trouble when your attention is diverted for only a moment. Children should always wear a life jacket when on or around the water.

. Don’t go in the water after someone in trouble. Rescue from shore and get help.

. High river levels and strong flows can often create new river hazards, such as submerged logs (strainers); boulder movement can also change river hydraulics.

. Have a “designated watcher” with a cell phone or two-way radio.

. Know where you are. If help is needed the caller should be able to describe your location; e.g., Bear Campground beach or mile post 1.1 off of road XYZ.

. Any time a person comes to a national forest for recreation, it is recommended they inform a responsible person of their location and planned return time.

“I encourage people to contact the nearest Forest Service office closest to where they’ll be recreating to find out the latest river conditions and any other safety information pertinent to their visit,” Hemus said. “Local river outfitters and guides are also good sources of information concerning river condi- tions since they are on local rivers almost daily.”

The Water Safety Coalition of Northwest California also provides more information on water safety at fs.usda.gov/srnf.

Dam release schedule

Trinity River flows (releases made from Lewiston Dam) will be going up on Aug. 28 for the Hoopa Valley Tribal ceremonies. Releases, in cfs, will be as follows:

Date	time	from	to cfs
Sunday
8-28	0800	450	550
8-28	1000	550	650
8-28	1200	650	900
8-28	1400	900	1,150
8-28	1600	1,150	1,400
8-28	1800	1,400	1,650
8-28	2000	1,650	1,900
8-28	2200	1,900	2,150
8-28	2400	2,150	2,650
Tuesday
8-30	0001	2,650	2,450
8-30	0400	2,450	2,250
8-30	0800	2,250	2,050
8-30	1200	2,050	1,850
8-30	1600	1,850	1,750
8-30	2000	1,750	1,650
8-30	2400	1,650	1,550
Wednesday
8-31	0400	1,550	1,450
8-31	0800	1,450	1,350
8-31	1200	1,350	1,250
8-31	1600	1,250	1,150
8-31	2000	1,150	1,050
8-31	2400	1,050	950
Thursday
9-01	0400	950	850
9-01	0800	850	750
9-01	1200	750	650
9-01	1600	650	550
9-01	2000	550	450

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