Missouri River Water Management News

Missouri River Water Management News Releases are available on the Northwestern Division website.RSS Feed

Glenn Cunningham Reservoir to begin to fill naturally

Published May 28, 2020
Updated: May 28, 2020

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will shut the outflow gate at Glenn Cunningham Reservoir on June 1, to allow the lake to begin to refill naturally. It is anticipated that with typical weather conditions the lake will reach full conservation pool by early spring 2021.     

Beginning in October 2018, the Corps initiated a drawdown of Glenn Cunningham Reservoir as part of a multiagency initiative with the City of Omaha and Nebraska Game and Parks Commission to control zebra mussels and common carp. The goal of the drawdown was to expose zebra mussels to freezing temperatures and dry them out while also eliminating common carp to improve the fishery. The reservoir was lowered almost 20 feet by late November 2018 and the lakebed has been exposed to harsh winter conditions.

Due to weather conditions in spring 2019, fishery renovation procedures, and ongoing construction around the lake, the drawdown was extended through June 1. 

To protect the public while the reservoir refills and construction is ongoing, all entrances to the reservoir south of Bennington Road will remain closed.  No vehicular or pedestrian traffic will be allowed. Entrances and facilities north of Bennington Road, including the archery range, will still be open and available.

For any questions or concerns please contact Brook Bench, City of Omaha at 402-444-5902 or Kelsey Jolley, USACE 402-996-3752. 


Release no. 20-061