OMAHA, Neb— The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is increasing releases from Pipestem Dam today to 700 cubic feet per second. After evaluating channel conditions through the City of Jamestown (N.D.), releases will be increased to 800 cfs. Jamestown Dam will continue to release 600 cfs, for a total combined release of 1,400 cfs by the end of the week.
Additional rain has increased runoff forecasts into the reservoirs.
Pipestem Reservoir is currently at pool elevation 1460.0 feet, 17.5 feet above the base of the flood control zone, and rising. The inflow is near 950 cfs. Jamestown Reservoir is currently at pool elevation 1432.6 feet, 1.6 feet above the base of the flood control zone, and rising. The inflow is near 900 cfs.
Basin conditions will be continuously evaluated and adjustments to the releases will be made as needed. High river flows continue downstream of Jamestown into South Dakota on the James River, and conditions on the entire James River basin are considered in determining project releases. The target date for evacuation of flood control storage from Pipestem and Jamestown reservoirs is Nov. 1
The Corps of Engineers is coordinating with the Bureau of Reclamation and the City of Jamestown. Combined releases could increase if basin conditions warrant.
Release no. 19-117