20 Sep 2013

Bear Creek Reservoir releases scheduled to gradually increase

As river stages downstream of Denver fall below flood stages, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District will begin to gradually increase releases from Bear Creek Reservoir. Releases from Bear Creek and Cherry Creek reservoirs have been a combined 290 cubic feet per second (cfs) since September 16. Chatfield Lake remains 3.5 feet below the base of the flood control pool and no releases are scheduled. Releases from Bear Creek reservoir will be gradually increased over the next few days. On Saturday, Sept. 21, releases will increase from 250 cfs to 300 cfs; Sunday, Sept. 22, releases will reach 400 cfs; and then increase to 500 cfs on Monday, Sept. 23. Forecasts indicate that Bear Creek reservoir will complete evacuation of flood storage during the second week of October. Releases from Cherry Creek Dam remain at 40 cfs. The Corps continues to monitor these releases in coordination with the State of Colorado.

20 Sep 2013

Nebraska Post-flood and Flood Protection Permitting

To address National Weather Service forecasts for river levels along the South Platte and Platte rivers in Nebraska to be in or above flood stage, landowners may decide to take action they believe is necessary to protect property. Where possible, the public should contact the Nebraska Regulatory Office (402)896-0896 for work associated with flood protection and repair work for flood damaged areas performed in waters of the U.S. within the State of Nebraska and the Omaha District. A flood emergency does not remove the landowner's responsibility to obtain a Section 404 permit when one is required.

18 Sep 2013

Omaha District assisting communities along the South Platte River in Nebraska

The State of Nebraska has requested assistance from the Omaha District following the National Weather Service issuing river level forecasts in flood stage along the South Platte River. District Personnel are in Big Springs, Neb., to evaluate potential concerns and advise local emergency managers about potential measures for reducing flooding risks. Residents along the South Platte River downstream from Denver, Colo., and in western Nebraska should monitor river level forecasts from the National Weather Service and make preparations to minimize damages from high river levels.

16 Sep 2013

Cherry Creek and Bear Creek Dams begin making small water releases

To meet water supply requirements in the Denver area, two of the three Denver-area reservoirs operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District will begin making small water releases today. Chatfield Lake remains 5.5 feet below the base of the flood control pool and no releases are scheduled. Releases from Bear Creek Dam will be 250 cubic feet per second and releases from Cherry Creek Dam will be 40 cfs, both beginning today. Over the next several days, coordination with the State of Colorado will continue, and it is likely releases will be gradually increased in order to evacuate flood control storage from these reservoirs.

13 Sep 2013

Pool elevations for Bear Creek Dam may approach record levels

Heavy rains since September 10, have fallen largely downstream of the three Denver-area dams operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District. Small pool rises are expected for Cherry Creek and Chatfield Lakes. Bear Creek Lake, located on Bear Creek Dam on the southwest edge of suburban Lakewood, Colo., has experienced increased inflows from the rainfall. The reservoir pool elevation is expected to approach its record elevation of 5587.1 feet, which occurred in 1995. Pool elevation data for these and other Corps-operated dams can be tracked online at http://www.nwd-mr.usace.army.mil/rcc/plots/plots.html#omaha_plots and are updated hourly.

13 Sep 2013

Post-flood and Flood Protection Permitting

During emergencies and times of imminent danger, landowners may decide to take action they believe is necessary to protect property. Where possible, the public should contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Denver Regulatory Office (303) 979-4120 for work associated with flood protection and repair work for flood damaged areas performed in waters of the U.S. within the State of Colorado and the Omaha District. A flood emergency does not remove the landowner's responsibility to obtain a Section 404 permit when one is required.