Fall releases from Rathbun Lake unlikely this season

Published Sept. 17, 2020
A view of the outlet works at Rathbun Lake near Centerville, Iowa on July 24, 2020.

See a view of the outlet works at Rathbun Lake near Centerville, Iowa on July 24, 2020.

CENTERVILLE, IA - Present conditions at Rathbun Lake appear to be unfavorable for the U.S. Army of Corps Engineers to conduct a fall water release this year as the pool elevation is currently below the multipurpose level, 904.0 feet.

To provide a fall release for the benefit of state and privately managed conservation and recreational areas in the Chariton watershed downstream of Rathbun Lake, the pool elevation needs to be at 905.6 feet or above to have adequate water storage to conduct the fall water release. In addition, the weather forecast for the next 7 days shows little to no precipitation which contributes to the low probability for a fall water release. 

If the pool elevation has not risen to 905.6 feet by the end of the first week of October, no fall water release will be conducted this season. 

Questions and comments can be directed to the Rathbun Lake Project Operation Office Manager at 641-647-2464 or the Kansas City District Water Management Office via email: WaterManagement-NWK@usace.army.mil


Contact
Public Affairs Office
816-389-3486
CENWK-PA@usace.army.mil

Release no. 20-125