OMAHA, Neb—Jamestown Reservoir releases have been reduced to 400 cubic feet per second (cfs) and Pipestem Reservoir releases have been increased to 500 cfs. Combined releases remain at 900 cfs. Early next week releases will again be adjusted resulting in a 300 cfs release from Jamestown Reservoir and a 600 cfs release from Pipestem Reservoir. The combined release of 900 cfs is expected to continue until late July.
Jamestown Reservoir is currently at pool elevation 1432.9 feet with 2.6% of the flood pool occupied. Inflows are estimated near 150 cfs with a reservoir release of 400 cfs. Pipestem Reservoir is currently at pool elevation 1470.5 feet with 34% of the flood pool occupied. Inflows are estimated at 60 cfs and the reservoir release is 500 cfs.
As Jamestown Reservoir flood storage nears evacuation, releases will continue to be reduced. The combined releases rate is expected to be reduced below 900 cfs in late July. After flood control storage is evacuated at Jamestown Reservoir release rates will be set to match inflow rates, which are expected to be approximately 100 cfs. The Pipestem Reservoir release will be 600 cfs through most of August as the flood storage is evacuated. 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 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. 20130719-001