Corps of Engineers plans brief outflow reduction at Baldhill Dam

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, is reducing outflows into the Sheyenne River at Baldhill Dam, located northwest of Valley City, North Dakota, from 800 cubic feet per second, or cfs, to 200 cfs, beginning Sunday, Dec. 8.

Outflows are being reduced so rock, or riprap, can be placed along the streambank in order to prevent erosion and protect existing power lines south of Valley City.

The current elevation of Lake Ashtabula is 1,264.7 feet and the temporary reduction in flows will have little effect on the overall winter drawdown progress.

Corps staff plan to increase outflows up to 600 cfs on Tuesday, Dec. 10.

The public is urged to avoid going out on the ice along the Sheyenne River below Baldhill Dam if possible and should expect changes in river levels and degrading ice quality. Lake ice conditions will vary throughout the winter and lake users should exercise caution at all times.

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