The discharge from the Skagit dams is about normal for this time of the year. The flows were decreased slightly last week because the spawning flow rule changes when the pink salmon begin spawning. The main difference is that the tributary inflow to the Skagit is at extreme low levels, what is called the 95% exceedence level, meaning tributaries are at flows that are exceeded 95% of the time during this month.

One thing I find disturbing is the range of daily flow fluctuation at Concrete a couple weeks ago. Flows ranged from 4,500 cfs to 10,500 cfs, above 2.5' of water elevation change. Definitely not good for emergent steelhead fry, and potentially adverse to adult salmon spawning. The rebuild of the Baker project turbine has resulted in less flow flexibility than before, and this is definitely not looking good for fish.

Sincerely,

Salmo g.