reservoir2009Jamestown (CSi) The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports that releases are being made now and through this winter at Jamestown and Pipestem Dams.

Bob Martin with the Corps at Pipestem Dam reports that Pipestem is releasing 30 cfs and will likely do so all winter.

Jamestown Dam is releasing 12 cfs, down from 30 cfs, for a combined release of 42 cfs.

He says usually Jamestown Dam does not release water in the winter, however the ground water level at both reservoirs is high going into freeze-up.

Pipestem Reservoir is at level of 1,442.85, five inches above the winter conservation pool.

Jamestown Dam is at 1,428.06 feet, six inches above conservation pool.

He says while November 2013 was dry in terms of rainfall, October’s rainfall was about 4 and a half inches.

Martin points out that the reservoir levels are not a concern, but the releases are being made in anticipation of any high moisture content in snow pack the rest of this winter, and potential spring rainfall amounts.

He says, ice thickness is variable at both Pipestem and Jamestown Reservoirs, and with releases from both reservoirs this winter the ice thickness may not be as great, and is likely to remain variable through the winter. Caution is urged.

He says the week of January 6, 2014 the snow survey will start to measure the moisture content, and will continue every two weeks.

Martin will have additional information as our guest on the Christmas Day Wayne Byers Show on CSi Cable 2.

National Weather Service Hydrologist Allen Schlag says the Stutsman County Commission has requested changes in the National Weather Service Flood Stage Definitions to better reflect the definitions of Minor, Major, and Moderate flooding for the Pipestem Creek, at the river gauge near Pingree. Beginning February 10, 2014, The National Weather Service will use the new water levels for forecasts, warnings, and advisory.

They are:

Action/Forecast Issuance Stage…10 feet

Minor Flood Stage…11 feet

Moderate Flood Stage…13 feet

Major Flood Stage…15 feet