Bighorn River flow increased

According to Hot Springs County Emergency Coordinator Bill Gordon, late in the day Sunday, as was expected, Boysen lake elevation reached 4,725 feet and began filling into the flood pool. Monday, as of about 3:30 p.m., it is about 4,725.7 feet. Boysen operations are now being dictated by the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Release flows from Boysen Dam were increased to 6,200 cubic feet per second (cfs) at 3 p.m. Monday. This flow should not threaten property along the river.

However, the following is the position of Hot Springs County Emergency Management: At 6,200 cfs, unless you are experienced or with a professional guide, the Bighorn River is too swift and high for safe recreational floating.

But without statutory authority to deny use of the river to anyone, HSCEMC urges the following: not floating the river alone, wearing personal flotation devices, leaving small children at home, not consuming alcohol or recreational drugs, and letting someone know where you will be putting in and where and what time you expect to exit the river.

The HSC River & Stream Awareness Level is now Orange. Signage will be changed this afternoon at the boat launches.

Gordon added the flow will likely increase to 7,000 cfs later this week, and that should be as high as it will go.