Jamestown, ND (KCSi-T.V. News Dec 21, 2012) — The U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers reports, a water release from Pipestem Dam is two cubic feet of water/second (CFS), as of December 21, 2012.

On the Christmas Day pre-recorded Wayne Byers Show on CSi Cable 2, Pipestem Dam, Manager, Bob Martin, pointed out, at Pipestem Reservoir, conservation pool, occurred in mid-September 2012.

However, after freeze up the level crept up a bit, to need the release of 2 cfs.

Jamestown Reservoir inflows stopped in mid June, 2012, and there is no release presently being made, but Jamestown Reservoir also rose about 2-3 inches since October, 2012.

The rise stems from ground water going into the reservoirs, after freeze-up.

A landowner, south of Jamestown told Martin that his stock water pond dried up last fall, and then refilled, due to ground water, running into James River Tributaries after freeze-up.

Martin pointed out that it can take 50-years for ground water supplies to return to normal after either years of drought, or years of excess moisture added.

He reminds residents that due to springs and pressure ridges, local bodies of water have varying thickness of ice cover.

He said Jamestown Reservoir completely froze over about two weeks ago.

Martin added that the Corps of Engineers will periodically measure moisture supplies in the snowpack over the next few months to determine the likelihood of spring flooding.

The amount of moisture in the snowpack, along with the amount of spring rain will be closely monitored by the Corps and the National Weather service, with periodic reports issued.