Posted on March 2, 2022
ST. PAUL, Minn. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, is lowering its reservoirs within the Red River of the North basin based on recent snow measurements to prepare for potential spring snowmelt. Above average snowpack has increased the flood risk for this spring.
River and reservoir levels may change rapidly during these changes, and the public should use caution near river and reservoir ice.
The elevation at Baldhill Dam, near Valley City, North Dakota, is currently at 1,259.8 feet, and it will be further drawn down as low as 1,255 feet in time for spring runoff, if water quality allows. Outflows will be increased March 1 to facilitate this drawdown.
The elevation at Homme Dam, near Park River, North Dakota, is currently at 1,076.9 feet, and it will be drawn down as low as 1,064 feet before spring runoff. Outflows will increase by March 15 to facilitate this drawdown.
The elevation at Reservation Dam, part of the Lake Traverse project, near Wheaton, Minnesota, is currently at 976.5 feet and will be drawn down as low as 974.5 feet by the end of March. White Rock Dam, also part of the Lake Traverse project, is currently at 973 feet and may be drawn down to 972 feet. Outflows will increase today to facilitate these drawdowns.
Orwell Dam, near Fergus Falls, Minnesota, is currently at 1,063.5 feet and will be drawn down as low as 1,055 feet before spring melt. Outflows will be increased March 1 to facilitate this drawdown.
Red Lake Dam, near Red Lake, Minnesota, is currently at 1,173.6 feet, which is the target drawdown elevation.
Current and historical lake levels and releases can be accessed www.mvp-wc.usace.army.mil or https://water.usace.army.mil. All Corps reservoirs are operated in accordance with detailed water control manuals to ensure the system performs as designed.
