Operations Update
Se̓liš Ksanka Ql̓ispe̓ Hydroelectric Project Operation for Flathead Lake
Representatives from Energy Keepers, Inc. (“EKI”), NorthWestern Energy (“NWE”), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (“Corps”), the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (“CSKT’), and Bureau of Indian Affairs conferred on June 28, 2016 regarding current and projected operation of the Seli’š Ksanka Qlispe (formerly Kerr) Project. The current outflow is about 10,700 cubic feet per second (cfs) and the lake elevation, as of July 4th at midnight was 2,892.85 feet.
In June, the natural streamflow averaged 48% of average (historical data from 1981-2010). Precipitation accumulation was 33% of normal as measured by the National Weather Service at the SKQ Dam. July’s natural inflow is forecast to be ~67% of normal. Current water supply forecasts show July-September at ~76% of normal. The following is a table comparing EKI’s current outlook for outflow (cfs) compared to cumulative historical data from 1999-2015.
| Outflow (cfs) | 10th Percentile | Historical Average | 90th Percentile | Our Outlook | Elevation | Avg. Elevation |
| Jul | 8,600 | 15,050 | 21,280 | 8,021 | 2,893.0’ | 2,892.7’ |
| Aug | 4,600 | 7,220 | 9,300 | 5,579 | 2,893.0’ | 2,892.6’ |
| Sep | 3,860 | 5,710 | 8,450 | 5,564 | 2892.5’ | 2,892.5’ |
| Oct | 3,679 | 6,480 | 8,180 | 7,500 | 2891.0’ | 2,891.9’ |
EKI is a Tribally-owned corporation with which CSKT has delegated the authority and responsibility to manage, operate and maintain the (formerly Kerr) Se̓liš Ksanka Ql̓ispe̓ Project on behalf of CSKT.
Further questions and comments can be directed to:
Emily Corrigan | Energy Keepers, Inc.
Asset Optimization Manager
110 Main Street, Suite 304
Polson, MT 59860
information@energykeepersinc.