Water releases due to Carr Fire changes conditions of Trinity River

Hoopa Valley, Ca., (KIEM) The Bureau of Reclamation contacted officials in Hoopa Valley last week about the present conditions of the Trinity River.

This week levels and temperatures have fluctuated due to the burning of the Carr Fire.

Reports show that present conditions under Trinity River emergency fire releases have ‘stabilized’ and appeared to have the effect of reducing temperatures due to emergency water release associated with the fire.

“We don’t want a reduction in the flows at all,” said Hoopa Valley Tribal Councilmember, Vivienne Orcutt. “With the state officer had said was that they were concerned about the Whiskeytown Reservoir and the temperature levels. They’ve taken so much water to fight the fires that the reservoir is warmer and they use those to control the temperature in the Sacramento River which is at a Basin. Both Lewiston and Whiskeytown hold the water which would normally come down the river.”

Hoopa officials say always take precautions if you are on or near the reservoir or the river.