OMAHA, Neb. - Gate changes at Jamestown and Pipestem Reservoirs were completed Tuesday to increase the rate of drawdown of the Pipestem Reservoir pool. Pipestem releases were increased from 200 cubic feet per second to 300 cfs, and Jamestown releases were decreased from 700 cfs to 600 cfs. The gate changes will not result in a change to the combined release of 900 cfs.
Jamestown Reservoir’s pool elevation is 1435.6 feet with 6.6 percent of its flood pool occupied. Inflows are estimated near 200 cfs. Pipestem Reservoir is at pool elevation 1472.4 feet and has 37.6 percent of its flood pool occupied. Inflows are around 80 cfs.
The balance of the 900 cfs combined releases between the two reservoirs will continue to be adjusted as Jamestown approaches the base of its flood pool, forecasted in late July. After its flood pool is evacuated Jamestown Reservoir will pass inflows and Pipestem Reservoir will release 600 cfs until its flood pool approaches empty in early September. Combined releases are estimated to be around 700 cfs in August. Forecasts and releases could change with above normal rainfall.
Residents along the James River downstream from Jamestown should continue to monitor flood forecasts by the National Weather Service and make preparations as necessary to minimize damages from high river levels. Flood forecasts on the James River in North Dakota and South Dakota are available on the Missouri Basin River Forecasting Center website at http://www.crh.noaa.gov/mbrfc/.
Data from gages on the James River in North Dakota and South Dakota is available on the U.S. Geological Survey website at http://nd.water.usgs.gov/floodinfo/james.html. Daily reservoir information is provided by the Corps at http://www.nwd-mr.usace.army.mil/rcc/nwo/dailybull.pdf.
Release no. 20130710-001