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- Heart Butte Reservoir Forecasted to Crest Above Record Levels
News Release Archive
Heart Butte Reservoir Forecasted to Crest Above Record Levels
Media Contact:
David Herr, (701) 584-3588
Jeff Nettleton
For Release: March 23, 2009
The Bureau of Reclamation is anticipating severe flood conditions at the Heart Butte Reservoir and along the Heart River downstream of the Reservoir, 17 miles south of Glen Ullin, N.D.
The National Weather Service's forecast announcing heavy precipitation over much of North Dakota in the next 24 hours has prompted Reclamation to advise the public to remain clear of the Heart Butte area. Reclamation anticipates increased inflow into Heart Butte Reservoir creating dangerous conditions; unpredictable water levels and impassable road conditions.
"We are keeping a close eye on this developing situation," cautioned Greg Gere, Deputy Area Manager for Reclamation's Dakotas Area Office, "as the likelihood of significant precipitation over the next several days could greatly compound flooding conditions at the Reservoir."
Increased inflow into the Heart Butte Reservoir is causing pool levels to rise significantly. Today, Lake Tschida's water level is at 2,079 feet and is expected to rise up to 2,095 feet over the next several days. This level represents a pool elevation of 30.5 feet above the top of the emergency spillway at 2,064.5 feet.
The record high stage at Heart Butte Reservoir was 2,086.23 feet on April 9, 1952. As a comparison, the high water level in the spring of 1997 was 2,082.19 feet.
"We are working closely with Grant County Emergency Management as we continue to closely monitor the situation and make necessary and prudent adjustments to water flows," said Gere. "We are doing what we can with the hand Mother Nature has dealt us."
Reservoir discharge, combined with flows from tributaries into the reservoir may result in flooding of permitted trailer areas along the shore of Heart Butte Reservoir and downstream flooding.
"We have made notifications to trailer owners and are helping where we can," added Gere.
Reclamation did plow snow blocking the access roads last week to allow trailer owners to remove personal belongings. However, road conditions have deteriorated in the last 24 hours to such an extent that they have become impassable and have been closed.
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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.
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