News Release Archive

Reclamation Warns of Changing Ice Conditions

Media Contact: Patience Hurley, (701) 221-1204, phurley@usbr.gov

For Release: January 31, 2014

BISMARCK, N.D. -- The Bureau of Reclamation is advising the public to take precautions and be aware of rapidly changing ice conditions along the Heart River, and at both Patterson Lake near Dickinson, N.D. and Lake Tschida south of Glen Ullin, N.D.

Higher than normal precipitation this fall, and winter snow pack melting has increased water inflows into Patterson Lake enough to cause water releasing from the dam. Patterson Lake flows into the Heart River with Lake Tschida being further downstream.

"Changing water elevations and increased runoff create dangerous areas of thin ice creating unsafe conditions for individuals recreating on the river and lakes," said Darrin Goetzfried, Deputy of Facilities and Engineering. "Increased water releases from the dams change ice conditions without prior warning."

In addition, be advised Reclamation is performing planned maintenance on the face of Heart Butte Dam which impounds Lake Tschida.

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

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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