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
Three former Atchison Co employees arrested on felonies
One hospitalized, one jailed, after Atchison attack
Fentanyl find nets four in two Atchison cases
Services set for Effingham woman killed in crash
Barricaded fugitive arrested in Jackson County
Two file to challenge local legislator
Fatal Atchison apt fire investigation continues
Support sought for fire ravaged family
USD 415 board select new member
Four injured in Richardson Co rollover crash
U.S. 36 work in Doniphan Co to impact motorists
Results from SE Nebraska contested Primary Elections
Date set for signals switch at Hiawatha intersection
Armed felon found, arrested, in Jackson Co
Flags to fly half staff Wednesday across KS
State Board approves land transfer agreements
Memorial Day enforcement hits KS roads
LATEST STORIES
Four injured in Richardson Co rollover crash
Tuition increase by KU, others in state
KS grad requirements updated after two decades.
Fentanyl find nets four in two Atchison cases
Armed felon found, arrested, in Jackson Co
Support sought for fire ravaged family
Potts first to file for Sheriff's seat in Atchison Co
Senator Slama won't endorse candidate in legislative race
Local author brings "Broken and Chained" to Falls City Saturday
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