News Releases

23 Oct 2020

Corps updates stakeholders on Missouri River Mainstem System operations

The US Army Corps of Engineers Missouri River Water Management Division hosted an update call on Thursday, Oct. 22, for Congressional representatives, Tribal, and state and local government officials, to include emergency managers, local levee sponsors and the media to discuss current conditions, and the projected operation of the mainstem reservoir system as part of the Draft Annual Operating Plan which was released in mid-September for public comment.

5 Oct 2020

Below average runoff continues in the upper Missouri River basin

September precipitation was well-below normal in the Missouri River Basin.  As a result, September runoff in the upper Missouri River Basin above Sioux City, Iowa was 69% of average.  Since January 1, precipitation in the upper Basin is well-below normal.  The National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center (CPC) is forecasting that below-normal precipitation will continue in October.  The 2020 calendar year runoff forecast for the upper Basin, updated on October 1, is 30.2 million acre-feet (MAF), 117% of average. Average annual runoff for the upper Basin is 25.8 MAF.

3 Sep 2020

August inflows much below average in northern Missouri River Basin

August precipitation was well-below normal in the Missouri River Basin, particularly in the western and far northern portions, which received less than 25% of normal precipitation. The lack of precipitation and dry soil conditions resulted in 74% of average August runoff in the Missouri River Basin above Sioux City, Iowa (upper Basin). The 2020 calendar year forecast for the upper Basin, updated on September 1, is 30.6 million acre-feet (MAF), 119% of average. Average annual runoff for the upper Basin is 25.8 MAF. Runoff in the upper Basin during the remainder of 2020 is forecast to be below average.

5 Jun 2015

Corps reports above normal May runoff in the Missouri River Basin; drought conditions improve in upper basin

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Missouri River Basin Water Management Division reports May runoff in the Missouri River Basin above Sioux City, Iowa, was 3.7 million acre feet (MAF), 110 percent of normal. The 2015 runoff forecast has increased to 22.5 MAF, 89 percent of normal. Average annual runoff is 25.2 MAF.

6 Mar 2015

Corps invites public to Missouri River operations meetings

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Missouri River Basin Water Management Division will hold five public meetings in early April to update stakeholders on current hydrologic conditions and the planned operation of the Mainstem Reservoir System.

6 Mar 2015

February runoff higher, but 2015 Missouri River forecast still slightly below normal

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Missouri River Basin Water Management Division reports runoff in the Missouri River Basin above Sioux City, Iowa was 2 million acre feet (MAF) during February, 186 percent of normal. The increased runoff was caused by above normal temperatures in the upper Missouri Basin that limited river ice build-up, and melted both plains and low elevation mountain snows. However, the 2015 runoff forecast in the same reach is 24.6 MAF, 97 percent of normal, and the March runoff forecast is about 1 MAF less than in February.