Missouri River Levels to be Dropped
(KTNC) - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is ready to move the Missouri River into what it’s calling “drought reserve mode” and it’ll mean much less water flowing downriver.
Corps spokeswoman Monique Farmer says water levels will drop by the end of the month. (play audio :16 “conservation measure.”)
Current release levels from the dam have been running more than three times that level, at 38-thousand cubic feet per second.
Farmer says the forecast for next spring has the reservoirs down drastically. (play audio :24 “time of year.”)
It was just last summer that the reservoirs and releases hit record high levels during the spring and summer flooding, with releases from Gavins Point hitting just over 160-thousand cubic feet per second.
Farmer says they will step down releases gradually to allow downstream water users to adjust. They’ll cut releases initially to around 18-thousand cubic feet per second and hold for a few days. (play audio :23 “feet per second.”)
It’ll stay at that level until March. The Corps’ plan is raising concerns. Leaders in Missouri fear such a drop in Missouri River water levels will impact the Mississippi River so much that barge traffic may have to be halted.
© Nebraska Radio Network
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Walnut Township recall coming; Friday mtg erupts in arrest
Former Kickapoo Tribal chairman arrested
Severe storms move through NE KS
Winchester native named as Amberwell CEO
Holton property search concludes with arrest
Rural Horton man charged in alleged beating
Sabetha woman arrested in business burglary
Effingham teen facing child sex crimes charges
KS prepares for severe weekend weather
Former AG Schmidt running for KS' 2nd Congressional District
Meriden man bound over on rape charge
Commission approves agreement for budget help
Richardson County Deputies busy during special enforcement
Pawnee City School Board approves personnel changes
Council hears report from golf course
NVCH receives $415,000 grant for expansion project
Atchison company earns energy grant; upgrades planned
Richardson County Board approves pay raise for dispatchers
Beef Barn replacement planned in Jefferson Co
Hazard mitigation planning meeting set for Atchison County MO
LATEST STORIES
Effingham teen facing child sex crimes charges
Pawnee County Rural Health Clinic participating in DHHS program
Local students participation in Peru State research expo
Meetings to help with Homestead Exemptions scheduled in Johnson County
Johnson County Hospital to host meeting on upcoming expansion
Beef Barn replacement planned in Jefferson Co
Sabetha woman arrested in business burglary
Meriden man bound over on rape charge
RELATED STORIES
Chance of Missouri River flooding increasing
Releases into Missouri River increased
Corps Planning to Increase MO River Releases
Missouri River Water Releases to Remain High
USDA Boss Blasts Railroads for Rail Car Shortage
Flood Warnings Continue for SE Nebraska
Voluntary Evacuation Order Issued for Rulo
More Storms Possible this Weekend