News Releases

Oahe and Big Bend Dams supporting temporary power needs

Missouri River Water Management Division
Published Feb. 4, 2022
The powerplant at Big Bend dam consists of 8 fixed blade turbines with a maximum power generation capability of 494,320 kilowatts.

The powerplant at Big Bend dam consists of 8 fixed blade turbines with a maximum power generation capability of 494,320 kilowatts.

Oahe Dam and Reservoir on the Missouri River are located near Pierre, South Dakota.

Oahe Dam and Reservoir on the Missouri River are located near Pierre, South Dakota. Lake Oahe has played a pivotal role during the 2018 runoff season allowing releases to be reduced from reservoirs downstream following heavy rain events and capturing flood waters from upstream mountain snowmelt and heavy rainfall in the Yellowstone River basin, which fell in May and June.

Power generation began at Big Bend Dam in 1964 and the entire complex was completed in 1966. Big Bend hydroelectric power plant is operated to meet peak demands for electricity in the Missouri River Basin. The power plant houses eight units with combined maximum generation capacity of 494,320 kilowatts. This is enough power for about 95,000 homes. The first unit went into operation in 1964 and by 1966 all eight generators were producing commercial electricity.

Power generation began at Big Bend Dam in 1964 and the entire complex was completed in 1966. Big Bend hydroelectric power plant is operated to meet peak demands for electricity in the Missouri River Basin. The power plant houses eight units with combined maximum generation capacity of 494,320 kilowatts. This is enough power for about 95,000 homes. The first unit went into operation in 1964 and by 1966 all eight generators were producing commercial electricity.

Beginning today, releases from Oahe and Big Bend Dams in South Dakota will be increased from a daily average of about 15,000 cfs to about 36,000 cfs, downstream conditions permitting. 

These releases are aimed at providing additional power generation during a winter storm moving across the country over the weekend.

"The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Northwestern Division is working with the Western Area Power Administration much like last February," said John Remus, Chief of the Missouri River Basin Water Management Division.

These actions will not affect the overall system storage, and will not change the System releases from Gavins Point Dam.

We do not expect these release changes to remain in effect for more than 24 hours.


Contact
Eileen Williamson
402-996-3802
eileen.l.williamson@usace.army.mil

Release no. 22-004