News Release Archive

Reclamation and Corps Coordinate Flood Control Operations

Media Contact: Greg Gere, (701) 221-1202, ggere@usbr.gov
Patience Hurley, phurley@usbr.gov

For Release: June 17, 2011

The Bureau of Reclamation, at the request of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, will use water storage space in six tributary reservoirs to assist with flood control operations on the main-stem Missouri River.

Reclamation operates six tributary dams and reservoirs within the Missouri River Basin in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming. These facilities include the Jamestown and Heart Butte Dams in North Dakota; Angostura, Pactola, and Shadehill Dams in South Dakota; and Keyhole Dam in Wyoming.

"Each of these facilities has designated space within the reservoir to store flood water flows that run off from upper areas of the drainage basin," said Richard Long, Dakotas Area Manager. "Storing this water will help reduce downstream water flows that contribute to the Missouri River."

Operating these tributary dams to provide a coordinated flood response throughout the Missouri River Basin may result in higher than normal reservoir levels that may impact recreation facilities for extended periods throughout the summer. Many facilities around these reservoirs may eventually be closed to public access. Public notification of recreation facility closures will be provided as conditions warrant.

Reclamation cautions the public to be vigilant and aware of rising waters, and to avoid any travel where water covers the road surface. Public is also warned to stay well back from reservoir shorelines as high water will accelerate erosion causing banks to become extremely unstable.

For additional information, please contact Greg Gere at 701.221.1202 or Patience Hurley at 701.221.1204.

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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.

Relevant Link:

Dakotas Area Office Home Page