News Releases

25 Sep 2023

Now Available: Draft Missouri River Operating Plan; Possible Fort Peck test flow; Fall public meeting schedule

Ahead of fall public meetings, the Draft Missouri River Mainstem Reservoir System Annual Operating Plan for the 2023-2024 runoff season is now available for public comment. The public comment period on the draft plan will close Nov. 30. 

20 Sep 2023

Federal water managers announce public information sessions about post-September 2024 Columbia River Treaty operations

How the United States uses reservoir space in Canada changes on September 16, 2024, from the high degree of structure and control of flows coming across the border from Canada experienced over the last 60 years under the Columbia River Treaty, to an operation that increases the uncertainty of those flows. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) will hold four virtual public information sessions in September and October to begin informing the public about the potential changes.

8 Sep 2023

USACE seeks public comments on DAPL Draft Environmental Impact Statement

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers –Omaha District is seeking public comments on the recently published Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Dakota Access, LLC’s request for an easement under the Mineral Leasing Act for the Dakota Access Pipeline. The Dakota Access Pipeline crosses the Corps-managed federal land at Lake Oahe, North Dakota. The DEIS is not a decision and does not authorize the easement. This milestone is the second step in the National Environmental Policy Act environmental review process and will be followed by a Final Environmental Impact Statement. The Final Environmental Impact Statement will include public comments that were received during the Draft Environmental Impact Statement public review period.

15 Aug 2023

Drastic difference between air and water temperature could kill

With the onset of record-breaking heat across much of the Pacific Northwest, it’s imperative that people wear life jackets while swimming, boating and fishing. While air temperatures may be high, water temperatures can be much lower and can be deadly, according to water safety statistics.

3 Aug 2023

Missouri River Basin drought conditions persist

July runoff in the Missouri River basin above Sioux City, Iowa was 3.3 million acre-feet (MAF), 99% of average. Runoff was near or above average in all reaches except the Fort Peck reach, which was 68% of average. The annual runoff forecast above Sioux City, IA is 28.5 MAF, 111% of average.

10 Jul 2023

Gavins Point releases increased after System storage check

Above average rainfall and fast-melting snow led to above average runoff in the upper Missouri River Basin in June. Runoff above Sioux City, Iowa was 6.7 million acre-feet, which is 122% of average. The annual runoff forecast above Sioux City, Iowa is 29.2 MAF, 114% of average, and about 2.4 MAF higher than last month’s forecast.