1 Oct 2013

Shutdown prompts closures at Corps-operated campgrounds and day-use parks

Within the Omaha District, which encompasses Colorado, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming, Corps-operated campgrounds and day-use parks will be closed. Corps parks leased to partner agencies and concessionaires will remain open, but cannot be supported by the Corps while the shutdown is in place. The public is encouraged to ensure their campground is not impacted before arriving. Information regarding closures and affected areas will be posted at Corps-operated campgrounds and day use areas. Maintenance and operations services, such as cleaning restrooms and vault toilets as well as trash removal, may be curtailed at several locations.

30 Sep 2013

Possible nationwide closure of Corps-operated campgrounds and day-use parks

If the potential shutdown of the federal government goes into effect, Corps-operated campgrounds and day-use parks will be impacted nationwide beginning Tuesday, Oct. 1. Corps parks leased to partner agencies and concessionaires will remain open, but cannot be supported by the Corps while the shutdown is in place. Several parks in, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Nebraska and Colorado are leased to partner agencies. The public is encouraged to ensure their campground is not impacted before arriving.

16 Sep 2013

Cherry Creek and Bear Creek Dams begin making small water releases

To meet water supply requirements in the Denver area, two of the three Denver-area reservoirs operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District will begin making small water releases today. Chatfield Lake remains 5.5 feet below the base of the flood control pool and no releases are scheduled. Releases from Bear Creek Dam will be 250 cubic feet per second and releases from Cherry Creek Dam will be 40 cfs, both beginning today. Over the next several days, coordination with the State of Colorado will continue, and it is likely releases will be gradually increased in order to evacuate flood control storage from these reservoirs.

13 Sep 2013

Pool elevations for Bear Creek Dam may approach record levels

Heavy rains since September 10, have fallen largely downstream of the three Denver-area dams operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District. Small pool rises are expected for Cherry Creek and Chatfield Lakes. Bear Creek Lake, located on Bear Creek Dam on the southwest edge of suburban Lakewood, Colo., has experienced increased inflows from the rainfall. The reservoir pool elevation is expected to approach its record elevation of 5587.1 feet, which occurred in 1995. Pool elevation data for these and other Corps-operated dams can be tracked online at http://www.nwd-mr.usace.army.mil/rcc/plots/plots.html#omaha_plots and are updated hourly.

6 Sep 2013

Public scoping meeting for Cold Brook and Cottonwood Springs Project Master Plans scheduled for Sept. 17

A public scoping meeting to gather input for developing a Master Plan for the Cold Brook and Cottonwood Springs projects, will be held Sept. 17 at the Mueller Civic Center in Hot Springs, S.D. The public is encouraged to attend at any time between 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The Mueller Civic Center is located at 801 S. 6th Street, Hot Springs, S.D. 57747.

26 Aug 2013

Gavins Point Dam Power plant tour schedule changes for upcoming holiday

There will be no tours of the Gavins Point Power plant near Yankton, S.D., on Friday, August 30. The tour schedule for Saturday, Aug. 31 and Sunday, Sept. 1 will be every hour from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (except noon). Tours on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 2, will be at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1, 2, and 3 p.m. Tours for school and civic groups can be scheduled September through May by calling 402-667-2546.

2 Aug 2013

Cold Brook Reservoir lowered three feet

Cold Brook Reservoir near Hot Springs, S.D., was recently drawn down by more than 3 1/2 feet to allow for construction work on a handicapped accessible pier. Work on the pier will begin August 16. Work to improve the beach is expected to begin in September.

25 Jul 2013

Power plant tour schedule changes at Garrison Dam

Power plant tour schedules at the Garrison Dam in Riverdale, N.D., have been adjusted for the remainder of 2013. Walk-in tours are offered Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays Memorial Weekend through August 16, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Central Time. However, walk-in tours have been cancelled for July 26 and 27 due to limited staffing. Additionally, tours by scheduled appointment have been cancelled for the remainder of 2013. For more information, visitors may call 701-654-7411.

30 Jun 2013

Play it safe and know the rules this upcoming holiday

With the upcoming holiday, visitors to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recreation areas are reminded that it is unlawful to possess or discharge fireworks of any kind on Corps property. Additionally, some areas are experiencing drought conditions and visitors are reminded that fires are only allowed in designated fire rings, fire places, grills or facilities specifically designated for this purpose. Local project offices will have detailed information regarding local fire bans or restrictions.

25 Jun 2013

Enjoy Your Holiday, Play It Safe and Return Home Alive

Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death, yet the number of deaths by drowning could be reduced drastically if everyone would wear a life jacket. Statistics show that 89 percent of those who drown at U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lakes and rivers may have survived if they had worn a life jacket. Here are some safety tips to help you have a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July holiday.