The water supply forecasts for April to September dropped nearly 7%, mostly decreasing streamflow forecasts for the month of June. Due to dry conditions, coordination with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will allow EKI to operate Flathead Lake below 2892’ feet in order to increase the likelihood of Flathead Lake refilling into the top foot in June with minimal impacts to flood risk. Under normal conditions flood risk management requires Flathead Lake being below 2890’ at the end of May.
SKQ project outflows and the Flathead Lake elevation are dependent on many variables including lake inflows, weather, the demand for electricity, and non-power constraints such as the downstream fishery and flood risk management needs.