Catalog Item
Cascade Reservoir Operations Pilot Model Archive
This reservoir operations pilot study explored the potential effects that theoretical changes in operations of reservoirs in the upper Payette River basin might have on reducing harmful algal blooms in Cascade Reservoir. River and reservoir operations models, coupled with a newly developed water quality model for Cascade Reservoir were used to simulate a range of operational alternatives and the potential effects on harmful algal blooms. The water quality model, CE-QUAL-W2, is a two-dimensional (longitudinal-vertical) laterally averaged water quality and hydrodynamic model for rivers, estuaries, lakes, reservoirs and river basin systems. The model for Cascade Reservoir was developed in coordination with Portland State University (PSU). This record includes a model archive containing the model files and data needed to rerun the models and reproduce the results for the model scenarios considered by the larger study. The model archive includes 1) the original model files produced by PSU, 2) the installation file for the version of the CE-QUAL-W2 software used for this study, 3) model input and configuration files for the scenarios considered by the study, and 4) the tools used to summarize the results. The archive does not include the report itself, which can be accessed at https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/pilots/docs/reports/Cascade_Reservoir_Operations_Pilot_March2025.pdf. A study bulletin summarizing the work is available at https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/pilots/docs/bulletins/CascadeReservoirOpsPilotBulletin2025.pdf
Catalog Record Title
Cascade Reservoir Operations Pilot: Evaluating Operational Alternatives to Reduce Harmful Algae in Cascade Reservoir, Idaho, 2018-2022
Generation Effort
Cascade Reservoir Operations Pilot
Location Name
Lake Cascade and Cascade Dam (CSC)
Type
Uploaded file(s)
File Type
ZIP
Publisher
Bureau of Reclamation
Publication Date
Thursday, December 4th, 2025
Update Frequency
not planned
Last Update
Wednesday, August 26th, 2026
Disclaimer
Access Constraints: Any use of trade, firm, or product names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. Unless otherwise stated, all data, metadata and related materials are considered to satisfy the quality standards relative to the purpose for which the data were collected. Although these data and associated metadata have been reviewed for accuracy and completeness and approved for release by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR), no warranty expressed or implied is made regarding the display or utility of the data for other purposes, nor on all computer systems, nor shall the act of distribution constitute any such warranty. Use Constraints: Although these data have been processed successfully on a computer system at the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR), no warranty expressed or implied is made regarding the display or utility of the data for other purposes, nor on all computer systems, nor shall the act of distribution constitute any such warranty. The USBR or the U.S. Government shall not be held liable for improper or incorrect use of the data described and/or contained herein. The data are released on the condition that neither the USBR nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from its authorized or unauthorized use.
