Updated release plans for Gavins Point and Fort Randall dams > Northwestern Division > Northwestern Division

OMAHA, Neb. —

Due to continued rainfall and forecasted inflows into the Gavins Point Reservoir from the Niobrara River and other tributaries, releases from the Fort Randall and Gavins Point dams will vary.

Fort Randall’s emissions have already been reduced as much as possible and will have some periods of zero emissions.

Current releases from Gavins Point are 24,000 cubic feet per second and will remain at this level through Sunday, June 23. Inflow into Gavins Point is approximately 35,000 cfs and is expected to increase significantly over the next few days.

“Peak inflow will reach Gavins Point Reservoir later than originally anticipated,” said John Remus, chief of the Missouri Basin Water Management Division.

“Inflows from the Niobrara River continue to be higher than current releases at Gavins Point, which will result in increased basin rise on Lakes Lewis and Clark, but by maintaining releases at 24,000 cfs today, we will have greater flexibility to manage releases at peak inflows later in this week,” Remus said.

The current pool elevation at Gavins Point is 1,208.38 feet.

“We continue to monitor inputs and will reduce emissions as much as we can without impacting the safe operation of the Gavins Point project,” Remus added.

Information on reservoir levels, releases and river levels can be found on the Missouri River Water Management online application: https://www.nwd.usace.army.mil/MRWM/MRWMAp/.