OMAHA, Nebraska -- OMAHA, Neb – Previously announced decreases to releases from Jamestown and Pipestem Dams have been delayed. Additional data and updated air temperature forecasts have extended the date river ice downstream of Jamestown and Pipestem Reservoirs is expected to start forming, allowing the Corps to release more flood water before winter. The current combined release rate will remain at 2,400 cubic feet per second until river ice is forecasted to form.. River ice forecasts are being continuously updated.
To mitigate the risk of freeze-up ice jams or other ice-related flooding, the target combined release rate before ice-in is 800 cfs .
Updated reservoir forecasts indicate combined winter releases are not expected to exceed 750 cfs; however, additional precipitation, earlier than expected ice-over on the river, or higher than expected baseflow could necessitate higher release levels. Ice conditions in the entire James River basin will be continually evaluated throughout the winter. The Corps of Engineers will operate to minimize the risk of ice-related flooding, and adjustments to the releases will be made as needed.
Jamestown Dam is currently at a pool elevation of 1441.7 ft, about 30% into the flood pool, and rising. Inflows into the reservoir peaked on October 30 and are dropping, currently near 1,900 cfs. Reservoir releases are 1,200 cfs.
Pipestem Dam is currently at a pool elevation of 1473.2 ft, about 40% into the flood pool, and dropping. The pool elevation peaked on October 29 at 1475.0 ft, which was 43% into the flood pool. Inflows are near 650 cfs, and releases are 1,200 cfs.
The Corps of Engineers is coordinating with relevant agencies in North and South Dakota.
Release no. 19-127