Area Description
Lower Lemhi 2020, Lemhi River at L-6 diversion
Additional Detail
Work Statement Element 147398:
https://www.cbfish.org/WorkStatementElement.mvc/Summary/147398
The State of Idaho has committed to maintain target flows of 25-35 cfs in the Lemhi River at the L-6 diversion. These flows provide passage for migrating Chinook salmon and steelhead, which are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. The 35 cfs is needed for juvenile outmigration in the spring and 25 cfs is needed for in-migrating adults in the mid- to late-summer. This transaction is one-part of a State strategy to secure passage flows in the lower Lemhi River. The flow at the L-6 diversion will be maintained at at least 34.95 cfs: 15.4 cfs from this agreement, 16.83 cfs from permanent conservation easements, 2.42 cfs from City of Salmon Golf Course exchange, and 0.3 cfs from the Lemhi TNC donation for 80% of the days between March 15 and June 30. The other 20% of the days, flow will be allowed to drop to 25 cfs (5.61 cfs from this agreement, 1.14 cfs from the Lower Lemhi Thomas 2010 agreement, 15.53 cfs from permanent conservation easements, 2.42 cfs from City of Salmon Golf Course exchange, and 0.3 cfs from the Lemhi TNC donation). From July 1 to November 15, the flows will not be allowed to drop below 25 cfs. This provides upstream and downstream passage for Chinook salmon and steelhead at a critical passage point.
