Corps increases Baldhill Dam releases

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, is increasing releases from Baldhill Dam, near Valley City, North Dakota, today to 3,100 cubic feet per second, or cfs, as Lake Ashtabula’s level continues to rise.

Over the weekend, discharges from the reservoir were increased from 2,400 cfs to 2,800 cfs as a result of last week’s snowstorm. In the next two weeks, Corps officials anticipate the pool to rise to an elevation near 1,271 feet. It is currently at 1266.7 feet. Corps water managers will continue coordinating with local officials and monitoring the situation to make the necessary adjustments to minimize flooding.

Lakeshore property owners should take the necessary precautions to protect their property, like pulling their docks, if necessary. Communities downstream of Baldhill Dam should take precautions, too, as the increased flows will likely cause minor flooding along the Sheyenne River.

As always, we encourage citizens to be mindful of flooding in low lying areas. Never drive over flooded roads.

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