(HOLDREGE, Neb.) - The Central Nebraska Public Power & Irrigation District has announced that a hydrocycling period will begin on October 17 at the Johnson No. 2 Hydroplant and will run to November 10.
During this period, Johnson Lake’s water level typically fluctuates up to two feet as operations are adjusted to minimize the chance of significant flow changes in the Platte Rivers. Hydrocycling takes place each spring and fall as required by an agreement with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services.
Within this hydrocycling period will be two hydroplant outages that will also affect the water level at Johnson Lake. Beginning on Oct. 22, the elevation will be approximately 2,613 ft, which is five feet below normal. Elevation will start to come back on Oct. 28 and should return to normal on Nov. 2. A second, smaller outage is set for Nov. 2-4 with elevation of Johnson Lake lowered to 2,615 ft and will come back up on Nov. 8.
A larger drawdown of the lake is planned for some time in December with about a nine-foot drawdown that would last between 4-6 weeks. While the lake is down, cabin-owners who may wish to perform shoreline maintenance are reminded to contact both Central and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to obtain any necessary permits prior to initiating such projects.
More information about hydrocycling is available at https://cnppid.com/operations/johnson-lake-operations