As storms continue to impact the Salt and Verde River watersheds, Salt River Project (SRP) has elevated water releases to approximately 54,000 cubic feet per second from Bartlett and Stewart Mountain dams to maintain necessary storage levels for safety. This surge of water is expected to reach the Valley by 6 p.m. on Monday, November 2, with continued releases anticipated over the next few days.
Record Precipitation Expected
This fall is shaping up to be significant for precipitation and inflows in the Salt and Verde River watersheds, following three years of low runoff. Inflows for October and November are projected to be the highest in the Verde watershed since 1972, potentially reaching eight times the average.
Tim Skarupa, Senior Manager of Atmospheric Sciences and Hydrology, emphasized the collaboration between SRP, local government entities, emergency managers, and other agencies to ensure public safety. He urged the public to heed any signage regarding road closures.
Water Management and Benefits
Contrasting with the Colorado River system, which is experiencing shortages due to drought, the Salt and Verde systems are nearly balanced, with annual demand close to annual supply. However, in wetter years like this one, runoff can surpass the reservoir system’s capacity.
Cities and irrigation districts that receive deliveries from the SRP system will have the opportunity to utilize this additional water, which will also flow downstream in the typically dry Salt River, aiding in aquifer recharge. This is beneficial for Valley cities and water providers.
Road Closures and Future Planning
Roads in the East and West Valley, situated in the normally dry Salt River riverbed, will be closed due to the increased water flow.
In light of future water management, SRP is assessing options to enhance the storage capacity of the Verde River reservoir system and mitigate sedimentation-related storage losses. A group of 23 partners, including tribal, agricultural, and municipal organizations, are supporting a feasibility study by the Bureau of Reclamation to explore modifications to Bartlett Dam.
Source: Salt River Project
