Bureau of Reclamation Supports Yurok Tribe’s Boat Dance with Klamath River Flow Increase

The Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) has announced plans to increase water flows in the Klamath River starting August 15, 2024, to support the Yurok Tribe’s annual Boat Dance ceremony. This carefully orchestrated release demonstrates the BOR’s commitment to honoring tribal traditions while managing complex water needs in the Klamath Basin.

Key points of the flow increase:

1. Timing: The increased flows will begin around midnight on Thursday, August 15.
2. Duration: Higher water levels will be maintained until Monday, August 18, when flows will gradually decrease.
3. Volume: Approximately 7,000 acre-feet of water (equivalent to about 2.281 billion gallons) will be released from Upper Klamath Lake.

This year’s flow management presents unique challenges due to ongoing dam removal activities on the Klamath River. The BOR’s ability to release water is currently limited to a maximum of about 1,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) at Keno Dam, significantly less than historical releases for such events.

“We’re working closely with the Yurok Tribe to determine the best achievable flow rates given the current river conditions,” said a BOR spokesperson. “Our goal is to support this important cultural event while also protecting ongoing restoration work in the former reservoir areas.”

The Boat Dance is a significant spiritual and cultural tradition for the Yurok people, requiring sufficient river depth for ceremonial canoes to navigate specific stretches of the Klamath River. By providing these increased flows, the BOR is helping to ensure the continuation of this ancestral practice.

River users, including both Tribal members and the general public, are advised to secure boats and exercise extra caution during this period of higher flows. The BOR emphasizes that this temporary increase is specifically managed to balance ceremonial needs, environmental considerations, and public safety.

This action reflects the complex water management required in the Klamath Basin, where agricultural, environmental, and cultural needs must be carefully balanced. The BOR’s support of the Boat Dance demonstrates a commitment to incorporating tribal trust responsibilities into its overall water management strategy.

As dam removal progresses and the Klamath River’s flow regime evolves, the BOR will continue to work with the Yurok Tribe and other stakeholders to manage water releases for cultural events, fisheries, and other critical needs in this dynamic and historically significant watershed.