If you’ve taken a stroll on the Boise Greenbelt in the last week or so, you’ve probably noticed a higher and faster river rushing past you. In just a few days, rocks in the river bed have been covered and large logs have been carried downstream.
Water managers with the Bureau of Reclamation and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have increased more and more water from Lucky Peak Dam since mid-February. The releases are meant to avoid flooding later in the spring, as runoff from snowcapped mountains melts at a faster rate. By the end of Friday, the flow will reach about 6,000 cubic feet per second (cfs). Flood stage is considered 7,000 cfs.
But while the river is expected to stay below that point, Boise officials are warning of some flooding on the Greenbelt. According to the city Parks and Recreation Department, some pathways along Parkcenter Boulevard as well as in the tunnel near Esther Simplot Park could be covered in standing water. Some flooding has already begun under the Parkcenter Bridge.
You can monitor flows at Glenwood Bridge using the USGS monitor here.
Find reporter Frankie Barnhill on Twitter @FABarnhill
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