December 4, 2013--IDAHO FALLS, Idaho - The Bureau of Reclamation responded to an emergency demand from the Bonneville Power Administration to increase generation at Palisades Dam. Flows below the dam were increased to help resolve power problems in Eastern Idaho this morning.

Flows from Palisades Dam were increased from 1200 cubic feet per second (cfs) to approximately 4700 cfs immediately following the early morning power shortage at a substation near Idaho Falls, Idaho.

"We were able to make a large contribution towards resolution of the power problem, but the result is unexpected fluctuations in the river," said Mike Beus, Upper Snake Field Office Water Manager. "People should be cautious near the river as flows increase."

Reclamation will reduce the flow to its initial level slowly over the next 36 hours to reduced adverse impacts to fish and other natural resources.

Palisades Powerplant has four generators with a total capacity of 176,600 kilowatts. This is a multipurpose facility that provides water for irrigation, recreation, hydroelectricity, and flood control.

The dam was completed in 1957 and is located on the Snake River about 55 miles east of Idaho Falls, Idaho.