JAMESTOWN, N.D. (USACE) – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District, is increasing the reservoir releases today from Pipestem Dam, North Dakota, while reducing releases from Jamestown Dam.

The current pool elevation at Jamestown Dam is 1431.0 ft., right at the base of the flood control pool. Releases are being reduced from 600 cubic feet per second to 400 cfs. Releases will continue to be reduced to match inflows as the reservoir exits the exclusive flood control pool. Lake levels peaked this year on April 16 at 1439.7 ft, about 20% into its flood pool.

The current pool elevation at Pipestem Dam is 1478.9 ft, about 51% into its flood pool. The reservoir has been dropping since Friday’s release change. Releases are being increased from 250 cfs to 450 cfs. The plan for Pipestem Dam operation is to set a constant release of 550 cfs over the summer, targeting the base of the flood control pool (1442.5 ft) by Sept. 1.

The total combined releases will remain constant at 850 cfs with these release changes. Additional release changes from both dams are expected this week as Jamestown Dam is evacuated and Pipestem Dam releases increase to its planned summer release.