PERRY, Kan.— To ensure dam safety, the Kansas City District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers may begin flood water release from Perry Lake in Kansas beginning Saturday, May 25, 2019 if forecasted heavy rains this weekend fill the reservoirs remaining storage capacity.
If conditions force releases, Perry Lake will slowly begin ramping up water releases through the outlet works. Based on forecasted rains, it is expected releases could be in up to 20,000 cubic feet per second. If additional rain beyond forecast occurs, it could result in water passing through the spillway. The volume of any releases would be dependent on the inflows into the reservoir.
As conditions change, the Corps of Engineers will continue to monitor and assess the need for releases from additional reservoirs. There is a potential for releases from Tuttle Creek Dam in Manhattan, Kan. starting Monday, May 27, through the outlet works known as “the tubes”.
“Protecting lives is our number one priority,” said Col. Doug Guttormsen, Kansas City District Commander. “We’ve been holding a lot of water behind our dams. However, as localized rainfall continues and the flood storage capacity fills up, our team individually assesses each reservoir situation in our region to determine if, when and the amount of water to release. We understand the impact throughout the region that high water is having on people and communities. We are committed to providing timely and accurate information throughout this flooding event.”
The public should monitor National Weather Service forecasts and follow the direction of local authorities and emergency managers.
As pools at Corps lakes rise, additional personnel including park rangers, maintenance personnel, and engineers from the Kansas City District Office routinely inspect the dam, the spillway, the outlet, and other important structures. These inspections are part of our procedure as lake levels rise to ensure public safety and continued performance of the dam. All dams are structurally sound and are preforming as designed.
The Kansas City District would like to remind the public to wear a life jacket while on or near the water. Be vigilant of the safety risks associated with high water such as floating debris or obstructions covered by high water which can create dangerous boating conditions. Expect the unexpected and be prepared. Do not drive or walk into flood waters on the road. Any time you come to a flooded road please turn around, don't drown! Never enter standing or moving water to cross a road.
For more information, please contact the Public Affairs Office at (816) 389-3486.