SRP Boosts Dam Releases as Tempe Town Lake Closes to Boating

On November 1, Salt River Project increased water releases from Bartlett and Stewart Mountain dams as storms brought heavy rain to the Salt and Verde River watersheds. The utility said the flow had risen to about 54,000 cubic feet per second, or roughly 403,000 gallons per second, to manage reservoir levels and help safeguard the dams and public water supplies.

Discharges made earlier were expected to arrive in the Valley later Sunday night, with the larger releases due by 6 p.m. Monday. The flows could continue for several days and rise further overnight, depending on incoming water. SRP said Verde watershed inflows in October and November may reach around eight times the average and the highest level since 1972. The wet fall follows three seasons of low runoff.

As water spills across Granite Reef Diversion Dam and courses along the usually dry Salt River, roads in the riverbed will close. SRP urged the public to follow road-closure signs. Cities and irrigation districts that draw water from the system will have the opportunity to take in more.

Tempe has suspended boating and all other on-water recreation at Tempe Town Lake while elevated flows and potential debris remain a concern. The city said the lake’s dam is operating as intended and allowing water to pass through. Staff will inspect the lake daily and reopen it when conditions are safe; nearby parks remain open, and fishing is permitted.