As releases decline from Garrison Dam, releases will be transferred from the regulating tunnels to the spillway on Monday, Aug. 6 with the spillway gates opening at about 11 a.m.

The current forecast shows releases from Garrison Dam flowing at a rate of 50,000 cfs. On Monday, crews will transfer flows from the regulating tunnels to the spillway.

“The release capacity of the powerhouse is about 41,000 cfs so releases from the spillway will be about 9,000 cfs and we’re opening only 9 of the spillway gates,” said Operations Project Manager for the Garrison Dam, Todd Lindquist.

The change to operations will allow teams to inspect the regulating tunnels and test repairs to the spillway that were made following the flooding in 2011.

Throughout the 2018 runoff season, releases from Garrison Dam have been through the power house and the project’s regulating tunnels. Despite higher than normal releases, the Missouri River has remained below flood stage at Bismarck.

Members of the public who wish to view the gates opening are encouraged to park in the overlook parking area off Highway 200 near the spillway gates. Highway 200 is an active highway, stopping across the spillway is prohibited and walking across the road is dangerous and discouraged.

“We’ve invited the media to cover the event and, conditions permitting we will host a Facebook live event from our NWDUSACE Facebook page,” said Lindquist.