Springfield, OR. — Officials with the Bureau of Land Management have begun the annual transition to winter operations at Hult Dam, increasing water releases as seasonal rainfall intensifies.
According to the agency, winter operations involve partially opening the dam’s valve to allow higher volumes of water to pass through, reducing the risk of the reservoir overflowing during heavy rain events.
“To protect downstream communities, we partially open the valve in the winter so heavy seasonal flows of water can safely pass through the dam,” said Sarah Bickford, Siuslaw Field Manager. “Public safety is our first priority, and we don’t want excess water building up behind the aging dam.”
The valve was initially opened on December 17 to bring the reservoir level to just above the spillway. It was further opened the evening of December 18 following heavy rainfall. Adjustments will continue as conditions change.
BLM engineers are coordinating with fisheries and wildlife staff to closely monitor the dam, balancing flood risk reduction with habitat protection and minimizing the movement of debris downstream.
Officials cautioned that winter valve operations do not completely eliminate the possibility of an overflow, particularly during extreme rain or rain-on-snow events. Residents are encouraged to monitor local weather forecasts and remain prepared for severe conditions.
The BLM also reiterated plans to eventually remove Hult Dam. While no specific timeline has been set, additional information is available through the Hult Reservoir and Dam Safety Environmental Impact Statement, its summary, and the Record of Decision.
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