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  • Reservoir system prepared for 2017 runoff season; Missouri Basin runoff near average for 2016

    The full flood control capacity of the Missouri River mainstem reservoir system is available for the 2017 runoff season, according to the U.S Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) Missouri River Water Management Division. All 2016 stored flood water was evacuated from the reservoir system as of December 18, when the total volume stored in the Mainstem Reservoir System reached 56.1 million acre-feet (MAF). “Due to the complete evacuation of the reservoir system, Gavins Point releases were reduced from 18,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) to the normal winter rate of 17,000 cfs on January 5. Basin conditions will continue to be monitored and reservoir releases adjusted as needed throughout the winter in preparation for the 2017 runoff season”, said Jody Farhat, Chief of the Missouri River Water Management Division. “The entire flood control capacity of the Mainstem Reservoir System stands ready to capture spring runoff, reducing flood risk while providing support to other authorized project purposes.”

  • Gavins Point Dam releases reduced to winter levels; Missouri Basin runoff near average for 2016

    The US Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) reduced releases from Gavins Point Dam in late November to the winter release rate, marking the end of flow support for the 2016 navigation season. “Releases from Gavins Point Dam were reduced over a 3-day period from 25,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) to 18,000 cfs,” said Jody Farhat, Chief of the Missouri River Water Management Division. “Releases are expected to range between 17,000 cfs and 18,000 cfs this winter, but will be adjusted as needed to evacuate the remainder of water stored in the annual flood control zone prior to the start of the next year’s runoff season.” Based on the September 1 system storage, Gavins Point Dam winter releases will be at least 17,000 cfs. During the winter, the Corps will closely monitor conditions throughout the basin and will adjust releases to lessen the impact of river ice formation on water intakes along the lower river to the extent possible.

  • Above average Missouri Basin runoff in October, reduction to winter release rates to occur in late November

    Runoff in the Missouri River Basin above Sioux City, Iowa, was 1.9 million acre feet (MAF) during October, 155 percent of average, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps). The 2016 calendar year runoff forecast is 24.1 MAF, 95 percent of average. Average annual runoff is 25.3 MAF. The total volume of water stored in the Mainstem Reservoir System on November 1 was 57.2 MAF, occupying 1.1 MAF of the 16.3 MAF combined flood control storage zones. “System storage declined less than anticipated during October, only 0.2 MAF, as a result of heavy rainfall over north central Montana and northwestern Wyoming. During the remainder of fall and winter, we will complete the evacuation of the flood zones of the reservoirs to ensure we start next year’s runoff season with the full flood control capacity of the system available,” said Jody Farhat, chief of the Corps’ Missouri River Basin Water Management Division.

  • Below average Missouri basin runoff continues; Draft Annual Operating Plan available for comment

    September runoff in the Missouri River Basin above Sioux City, Iowa, was 1.0 million acre feet, 91 percent of average, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This marks the fourth consecutive month with below average runoff in the upper basin. The 2016 calendar year runoff forecast is 22.7 MAF, which is 90 percent of the historic average. The total volume of water stored in the Mainstem Reservoir System on October 1 was 57.4 MAF, occupying 1.3 MAF of the 16.3 MAF combined flood control storage zones. System storage declined 0.7 MAF during September. Water that was captured in the reservoirs during the spring and summer is being released during the drier months to serve navigation, irrigation and other authorized purposes.

  • Missouri Basin runoff below average in August; corps to hold public meetings in early October

    August runoff in the Missouri River Basin above Sioux City, Iowa, was 1.0 million acre feet (MAF),

  • Missouri Basin Runoff Below Average in July

    July runoff in the Missouri River Basin above Sioux City, Iowa, was 2.3 million acre feet (MAF), 69 percent of average, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps). This follows a June runoff that was 74 percent of average. The 2016 calendar year runoff forecast is 22.7 MAF, which is 89 percent of the historic average. The total volume of water stored in the Mainstem Reservoir System is currently 59.4 MAF, occupying 3.3 MAF of the 16.3 MAF combined flood control storage zones. “System storage peaked on June 22 at 60.1 MAF and is gradually declining. The water currently stored in the annual flood control zone will be released during the remainder of the year to serve navigation, water supply and other downstream purposes and will be completely evacuated prior to the start of next year’s runoff season,” said Jody Farhat, chief of the Corps’ Missouri River Basin Water Management Division.

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