CENTERVILLE, Iowa -- Let us know what you think about a potential Rathbun Lake, Iowa, fall release. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City District, is asking the public for input regarding the Rathbun Lake annual fall release by August 31, 2023.
The 2016 revised Rathbun Lake Water Control Manual allows for an annual opportunity, every autumn, for the lake to schedule a release of water to benefit state and privately managed conservation and recreational areas downstream in the Chariton watershed. This release of water will not exceed 2,700 cubic feet per second from Rathbun Dam and would be sustained for no longer than 3 or 4 days, excluding ramp up and ramp down time.
This release, if executed, would take place between the last week of September through early October 2023.
Public comments, available reservoir storage, downstream conditions, and weather will all be considered and evaluated prior to making the scheduled release. The release will take place only if; sufficient water is available in storage in the lake so as not to compromise water supply or on-lake recreation, downstream conditions are trending to be seasonally appropriate low flows, and the weather forecast remains favorable and free of rain as the scheduled date approaches.
Questions and comments regarding this water release can be directed to the Rathbun Lake Project Operation Office Manager at 641-647-2464 or the Kansas City District Water Management Office at 816-389-3545.
Release no. 23-021