9 May 2013

Jamestown and Pipestem Reservoirs Update

Currently releases are 100 cfs at Pipestem Reservoir and 950 cfs at Jamestown Reservoir resulting in a combined release of 1050 cfs. These releases will be held steady through the weekend. Over the next few weeks, Jamestown Reservoir releases may be adjusted up or down depending on the inflows into the reservoir and the downstream channel conditions. However, the combined release is expected to be no higher than 1100 cfs unless significant rainfall is received. Throughout May and early June, emphasis is being placed on evacuating Jamestown Reservoir flood storage. Pipestem Reservoir flood storage will be primarily evacuated in June, July and August.

7 May 2013

Interagency Military Pass waives fees at Corps recreation sites nationwide

America the Beautiful Federal Recreation Pass Program’s Interagency Annual Pass for Military continues to be accepted at more than 2,500 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-managed recreation areas nationwide. The Omaha District does not charge day use fees at any of its recreation areas. Special event, day group facility/picnic shelters and the use of the Oahe Visitor Center do not qualify for the Military Fee Waiver. Separately, the Corps continues to waive camping fees for active duty military members and their dependents on mid- or post-deployment leave from duty in a hostile fire zone to include Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and other deployments to support Overseas Contingency Operations.

4 May 2013

Garrison Dam West Tailrace road closure

The Garrison Dam West Tailrace Road, which provides access to the Garrison Power Plant wing walls and west side of the tailrace area, will be closed May 20 through the fall of 2013. The closure is necessary to conduct a road reconstruction project consisting of milling, replacement of asphalt pavement, culverts, storm drains and guardrails.

3 May 2013

Corps seeks public comment on Draft Project Implementation Report, Little Sioux Bend shallow water habitat restoration project.

A draft Project Implementation Report for the creation of new Shallow Water Habitat on the Little Sioux Bend of the Missouri River is currently available for public review. The draft PIR provides details of the Corps’ planning process in reaching a proposal to construct SWH on the Little Sioux Bend near the town of Little Sioux, Iowa directly downstream of the Little Sioux River between river miles 668.3 – 666.7.

3 May 2013

Jamestown and Pipestem Reservoirs snowmelt update

Snowmelt inflow is occurring at Jamestown and Pipestem Reservoirs, and pool elevations have been increasing as expected. Large river flows continue upstream of the reservoirs and high inflows are expected to continue for the next few weeks. Combined releases from the reservoirs are currently expected to stay below 1200 cubic feet per second; significant additional rainfall or snow may necessitate higher release levels. Pipestem Reservoir is currently at pool elevation 1460.1 feet which results in 16.6 percent of the flood pool occupied. Jamestown Reservoir is currently at pool elevation 1431.8 feet which results in 1 percent of the flood pool occupied.

3 May 2013

Powerhouse tours, camping and day use at Garrison Dam and Lake Sakakawea

A new schedule is available for Powerhouse tours, campground opening dates and camping fees for the 2013 recreation season. Walk-in Tours of the Powerhouse will take place Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. They will be conducted every Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Tours for large groups can be arranged by calling 701-654-7758. Day use fees will be waived at Lake Sakakawea for the 2013 season.