CENTERVILLE, Iowa -- The Kansas City District, U.S Army Corps of Engineers is asking the public for input regarding the Rathbun Lake annual fall release. The Kansas City District will be accepting public input now until August 31, 2024.
The 2016 revised Rathbun Lake Water Control Manual includes an opportunity each fall for the lake to release water, benefiting conservation and recreational areas managed by both the state and private entities downstream in the Chariton watershed. This controlled release from Rathbun Dam will not exceed 2,700 cubic feet per second and would last up to three to four days, not counting the ramp-up and ramp-down periods.
If implemented, this release is scheduled to occur between the last week of September and early October 2024. Prior to scheduling the release, factors such as public input, water available in storage, downstream conditions and weather forecasts will all be carefully considered and evaluated. The release will proceed only under specific conditions: adequate water storage in the lake to avoid impacting water supply or on-lake recreation, downstream conditions showing appropriate low flows for the season and a favorable weather forecast devoid 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. 24-026