ST. PAUL, M.N. (USACE) – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), plans to draw down or lower levels of two North Dakota reservoirs, Lake Ashtabula behind Baldhill Dam, near Valley City, and Homme Lake behind Homme Reservoir, near Park River, starting in November.

Both draw downs normally occur annually in the fall and winter to allow room for spring runoff. Drought conditions have improved significantly since mid-August with above average fall precipitation, which will allow these draw downs to proceed as normal.

The annual drawdown at Lake Ashtabula is typically scheduled to occur from October through February; however, because of drought conditions this year, it was delayed one month. It will be lowered approximately 3.5 feet from its current level. A discharge of roughly 30 to 150 cubic feet per second, or cfs, is expected during the draw down.

Homme Lake will be lowered approximately 3 feet from its current level throughout the month of November with a discharge of approximately 20 cfs.

The Corps will closely monitor snow pack throughout the winter and make adjustments as necessary.