***NOTICE***
PGE WILL BEGIN GRADUALLY DRAWING DOWN THE WATER LEVEL IN LAKE BILLY CHINOOK TO ALLOW FOR MAINTENANCE OF THE DAM ON 9/16/23
From: Mike Schubert
Date: September 15, 2023 at 1:27:19 PM PDT
Subject: Planned drawdown of Lake Billy Chinook begins Sept. 16
Dear Shoreline Structure Owner,
On September 16, 2023, Portland General Electric will begin gradually drawing down the water level in Lake Billy Chinook to allow for necessary maintenance to the spillway at Round Butte Dam.
This drawdown will occur over the course of several weeks (an estimated 40 to 70 days), dropping 0 – 1.2 inches daily. When complete, this action will result in reservoir water levels approximately two feet lower than typical – about 1,940 feet in elevation. The reservoir will be held at the lower level until early May to allow PGE and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs to conduct planned maintenance and repairs to Round Butte Dam, an important source of emissions-free power for PGE customers.
PGE anticipates that this change, to be executed within the limits described in the dam’s operating license, will have no impact to water quality, fish, or wildlife populations in the reservoir.
The change in water level may have impacts to docks, boat lifts, and other shoreline structures on Lake Billy Chinook. Residents/property managers who typically complete shoreline structure maintenance or seasonally relocate their shoreline structures in the fall or winter are encouraged to do so early, before the reservoir reaches the lower water level. The Perry South boat launch may also close for a period during the fall and winter season.
If you have any questions, please contact the PGE parks team at pgeparks@pgn.com.
Sincerely,
PGE and The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs
Pelton Round Butte Hydropower Project
.
