News Release Archive

Reclamation Releases Dickinson Dam and Reservoir Information

Media Contact: Jeff Nettleton, (605) 394-9757, jnettleton@usbr.gov
Randy Ehlis, rehlis@usbr.gov

For Release: March 16, 2011

The Bureau of Reclamation reports a potential over the next several weeks for increased water flows in the Heart River due to rising temperatures and existing high water levels in Dickinson Reservoir (Patterson Lake).

"The current water levels in the reservoir are within four to five inches of the top of the bascule gate," said Jeff Nettleton, Chief of Facility Operation and Maintenance and Engineering Services at Reclamation's Dakotas Area Office. "With temperatures expected to rise above freezing, snowmelt and water inflows into the reservoir could increase creating higher uncontrolled water releases into the Heart River from the Reservoir."

Reclamation will increase water releases over the next several days to provide some melting of river ice prior to peak snowmelt. Landowners and individuals recreating along the Heart River below the dam should expect river levels to rise which could create unstable ice conditions.

For additional information, please contact Randy Ehlis 701.221.1283 or Patience Hurley at 701.221.1204.

# # #

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.

Relevant Link:

Dakotas Area Office Home Page