SRP Increasing Releases from Bartlett and Stewart Mountain Dams Following Record Fall Precipitation

Recent storms and near record runoff into SRP reservoirs this fall have prompted SRP to release approximately 20,000 cubic feet per second (150,000 gallons) from Bartlett and Stewart Mountain dams on the Salt and Verde rivers to allow the water storage necessary for dam and public safety.

This is lining up to be a record-breaking fall for precipitation and inflows in the Salt and Verde River watersheds after three consecutive, low-runoff seasons. October and November inflows will likely be the highest in the Verde watershed since 1972, about eight times greater than average.

“SRP constantly monitors the weather, watershed conditions and reservoir levels to maintain our reliable water supply for the Valley,” said Tim Skarupa, Senior Manager of Atmospheric Sciences and Hydrology. “Water releases are one of the most important tools SRP uses to safely manage the reservoir system. These releases create capacity to capture runoff from fall storms, winter precipitation and spring snowmelt.”

Unlike the Colorado River system, which has been facing shortages due to the ongoing drought, the Salt and Verde reservoir systems are nearly in balance where annual demand is close to the annual supply. However, in wet years such as this year, runoff can exceed the available capacity of the reservoir system.

Cities and irrigation districts that take deliveries from the SRP system will be given the opportunity to take this additional water so it can be put to beneficial use. The water will also flow downstream in the normally dry Salt River and recharge the aquifer, which also benefits Valley cities and water providers.

The water will flow over Granite Reef Diversion Dam through the normally dry Salt River as it makes its way through the Valley.

Several roads located in the East and West Valley that were built in the normally dry Salt River riverbed will be closed. Updated road information can be found at AZ 511. SRP works with local government entities, emergency managers and other agencies to provide information and ensure public safety at all levels during these water releases. The public is encouraged to observe any signage on road closures.

SRP is currently evaluating alternatives on increasing the storage capacity for the Verde River reservoir system. A group of 23 partners, including tribal, agricultural and municipal organizations have committed to support the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) feasibility study of options to modify Bartlett Dam to improve management of water resources provided by the Verde River.