reservoir2009Jamestown, ND (KCSi-T.V. News) — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineer’s increased the release from Jamestown Dam at noon Tuesday (May 21, 2013) from 800 cfs back up to 950 cfs.

The release was cut from 950 cfs to 800 cfs last Friday, in anticipation of last weekend’s heavy rainfall, which did occur.

The Pipestem Dam release will remain at 100 cfs with the combined release at 1,050 cfs.

Pipestem Dam Manager Bob Martin says, the rain gauge at Pipestem Reservoir recorded 4.4 inches that fell from last Friday, through Tuesday morning.

In the 24 hours ending Tuesday morning, the level at Pipestem Reservoir rose about a half foot, while Jamestown Reservoir went up just under a half foot.

When heavy rain fell in Jamestown late Saturday night the river level went up a foot, but returned to the pre-rain level by Sunday morning.

Inflows into Jamestown and Pipestem Reservoirs have increased with the weekend rainfall and are expected to be elevated for the next couple of weeks.  Adequate storage is available at both reservoirs.  

Corps officials may increase the release another 50 cfs at Jamestown Dam and 100 cfs at Pipestem Dam.

Martin points out the ramped up releases at Jamestown Dam would put the combined releases at 1,200 cfs, at the upper range of the releases made in March and April, this year.

Martin says if the Jamestown  Dam releases are increased further to put the combined release about 1,200 cfs, it would raise the James River level in Jamestown by about a foot, and would  necessitate the city to sandbag and pump the storm sewer drains.