PPL MT press release, February 11, 2008

Representatives from the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, PPL Montana, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Reclamation, and Bonneville Power Administration conferred on February 11th regarding current and projected operation of the Kerr Project. The current outflow is about 7,700 cubic feet per second (cfs) and the lake elevation, as of Feb.11, was 2885.34 feet which is 7.66 feet from full elevation of 2893.0 feet. Lake elevation is estimated to be between 2884.3 and 2884.5 feet by the end of February.

The project is being operated considering the February final volume runoff forecast for the April through July period, the current snow pack and current natural stream flows. The April through July runoff forecast for Flathead Lake is 93 percent of average which takes into account the January snow pack of 95 percent. Steam flows for the month of January remained below average, 76 percent, reflecting the cold temperatures throughout the month. Weather conditions will be monitored throughout the month of February and appropriate operational changes will be made, if necessary.

In March 2002, PPL Montana filed a drought management plan (DMP) with the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Interior for approval. The department is currently conducting an environmental review of PPL Montana's proposal and considering alternatives. A final DMP has not been issued. In the interim, the operation will continue to be evaluated and adjusted, as appropriate, in consultation with the parties involved and with consideration of the PPL Montana draft DMP criteria.

The operation of the project, and in particular, decisions with respect to lake levels, are subject to constant monitoring and re-evaluation as the weather patterns themselves may rapidly change. If conditions dictate, an ad hoc consultation with the parties involved will occur prior to the next monthly call.

For more information, contact Deb Mullowney, PPL Montana, at 406-533-3508.

PPL MT press release, January 14, 2008

Representatives from the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, PPL Montana, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), and Bonneville Power Administration conferred on Jan. 11 regarding current and projected operation of the Kerr Project. The current outflow is about 8,270 cubic feet per second (cfs) and the lake elevation, as of Jan. 11, was 2886.89 feet which is 6.11 feet from full elevation of 2893.0 feet. Lake elevation is projected to be approximately 2885.8 feet by the end of January.

The project is being operated taking into account the January final volume runoff forecasts for the April through July period, the current snow pack and current natural stream flows. The final runoff forecast for Flathead Lake is 86 percent of average, the current snow pack is 85 percent of average for this time of year and the current natural stream flow is about 80 percent of average. In March 2002, PPL Montana filed a drought management plan (DMP) with the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Interior for approval. The department is currently conducting an environmental review of PPL Montana's proposal and considering alternatives. A final DMP has not been issued. In the interim, the operation will continue to be evaluated and adjusted, as appropriate, in consultation with the parties involved and with consideration of the PPL Montana draft DMP criteria.

The operation of the project, and in particular, decisions with respect to lake levels, are subject to constant monitoring, and re-evaluation as the weather patterns themselves may rapidly change. Weather conditions will be monitored throughout January and appropriate operational changes will be made, if necessary. If conditions dictate, an ad hoc consultation with the parties involved will occur prior to the next monthly call.

For more information, contact Deb Mullowney, PPL Montana, at 406-533-3508.