An agreement reached between the provincial government and TransAlta will allow the Ghost Reservoir, situated west of Cochrane along the Bow River, to accept additional spring runoff in an attempt to protect communities downstream.
TransAlta has agreed to extend its regular spring operation in 2014 for an additional six weeks, until July 31, which will maintain the reservoir’s elevation at a level lower than full capacity. Until August, the water level will be held at 3902 feet, 8 feet below the reservoir's fully supply level.
The province estimates the changes to the reservoir will reduce peak flows on the Bow River by as much as 100 cubic metres per second.
TransAlta and the Alberta Government are expected to review the arrangement after July 31 and, if deemed successful, discuss a long-term agreement.
