YANKTON, S.D. – Completion of work being done on a generator at Gavins Point Dam will allow spillway gates to be closed near the start of archery paddlefish season. The work, which included repairs on the turbines, will be completed ahead of schedule on May 31. As soon as the generator has been checked, and is cleared to return the service, the spillway gates will be closed. Pending any unforeseen problems, the unit is expected to be returned to service on Thursday, June 3rd.
On June 7th another generator will be offline for an inspection of the turbine and draft tube and other miscellaneous repairs. This inspection will continue through June 17. During this inspection spillway gates will need to be opened. As soon as the inspection and repairs are completed, the unit will be returned to service and the spillway gates closed. After the inspection, spillway gates should remain closed for the remainder of the archery paddlefish season.
Archery paddlefish season runs from June 1-30.
With any spillway release, boaters are required to stay downstream of the signs located on the north and south banks of the Missouri River. Water flows through the spillway can cause turbulent condition on the river below Gavins Point Dam. Boaters are urged to use extra caution and wear their life jackets any time you are on the water, but especially during spillway flows.
Release no. 21-039