Starting on Wednesday, September 13, community members and visitors to Copco Reservoir can expect fluctuating reservoir levels affecting boating access and activities. This change in reservoir level is to allow crews to safely work in the reach between Copco No. 1 Dam and Iron Gate Reservoir, while they prepare Copco No. 1 Dam and the river canyon for drawdown. Flows will be held behind Copco No. 1 Dam while crews are in the canyon, and then released when they are working elsewhere. This will create a cycle of raising and lowering water levels in Copco and Iron Gate Reservoirs in the coming months. The water level will remain within the standard operating levels during these cycles. Water level changes will be gradual so community members should not expect drastic changes in 24-hour periods. However, the periods of lower reservoir levels may affect docked boats or boats placed near shore.
You can find a calendar of the anticipated Copco Reservoir level cycles below. Conditions such as wildfire and smoke could alter the reservoir level cycling calendar in the future, so please check our website to find the most current schedule before making any plans. If you have any questions, please reach out to Ren Brownell, KRRC Public Information Officer, at: ren@klamathrenewal.org or (530) 670-0016.
