As downstream conditions permit, the Kansas City District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will begin flood water releases from Rathbun Lake in Iowa.
Releases WERE expected to start around 8 a.m. on Friday morning with a release of 1,500 cubic feet per second but now will be delayed for about 3 days or until the Chariton River falls sufficiently.
Depending on conditions, releases will be stepped up to approximately 2,200 cfs by the next day after beginning. Over the next few days, runoff from rains this past week are expected to increase the reservoir’s occupied flood storage approximately 2 feet above its present elevation of 917.
The purpose of the release is to re-establish the reservoir at its seasonal water level management plan elevation of 905.6 and is expected to require at least 2 weeks duration, depending on rain.
The public should monitor National Weather Service forecasts and follow the directions 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 performing as designed.
For more information, please contact the Public Affairs Office at (816) 389-3486.
Release no. 19-031