MANHATTAN, Kan. Beginning Dec. 4 the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tuttle Creek Project will increase outflows to drop lake levels, consistent with the annual Water Level Management Plan.
This seasonal adjustment minimizes ice damage, provides additional storage capacity for spring rains and favorable habitat conditions for the lake’s fishery spawning next spring.
The target peak of 3,800 cubic feet per second will begin on or around Monday, Dec. 4 and continue until lake elevation drops approximately 8.5 feet to a pool elevation of 1073 feet (above mean sea level). Operators will adjust the outflows so that the decrease will match the lake’s inflow or to maintain minimum downstream flow targets through the winter.
Scheduled operations are based on typical seasonal forecasts and are subject to change resulting from rainfall fluctuations throughout the Tuttle Creek and Kansas River watersheds. For current lake levels and forecast information, visit http://www.nwk.usace.army.mil and select “Water Management”.
Cold season boaters and anglers need to remember that low lake levels influence underwater conditions. Be watchful for submerged obstacles and always wear a lifejacket.
For additional information, contact the Tuttle Creek Lake Office at 785-539-8511 or by email at Tuttle.Creek@usace.army.mil .
The Kansas City District is a team of dedicated professionals with a strong heritage and proven results who, in collaboration with our partners, proudly serve in the Heartland providing leadership, technical excellence, and innovative solutions to the nation's most complex problems.
Release no. 17-055