News Release Archive

Reclamation Plans Winter Water Releases from Dickinson Dam

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

For Release: January 06, 2014

BISMARCK, N.D. -- The Bureau of Reclamation is deviating from normal operations at Dickinson Dam located in Dickinson, ND. Winter water releases through a bypass at the dam will begin Wednesday to maintain current water levels.

Higher than normal precipitation this fall and winter has increased water inflows into the reservoir enough to warrant releasing water. These releases will help minimize ice buildup on the spillway and in the downstream channel. Ice buildup on the spillway could impact operation of the Bascule gate and ice buildup in the channel could increase the risk of ice jams during the spring thaw.

"The reservoir is currently at elevation 2419.50, or about six inches from spilling over the top of the gate," said Darrin Goetzfried, Deputy of Facilities and Engineering. "We plan to begin releasing five to ten cfs (cubic feet per second) of water mid-week."

When water releases from the dam begin, people recreating downstream need to be aware of the potential for rapidly changing ice conditions and the possibility of water flowing on top of the ice.

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

# # #

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