Corps of Engineers makes adjustments to Lac qui Parle Dam

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, is adjusting its flood gates at the Lac qui Parle Lake Dam, near Watson, Minnesota, due to ongoing rain within the basin.

Corps water managers are increasing the water releases June 20 from 2,500 cubic feet per second, or cfs, to between 4,000-6,000 cfs. The increase is needed to avoid the reservoir from overtopping the emergency spillway, which happens at an elevation of 941.3 feet. The increased outflow of water will mean the Minnesota River, downstream of the dam, will exceed its riverbanks with localized flooding likely.

“Our goal is to keep the reservoir from overtopping the emergency spillway and to bring the river back within its banks by the middle of July,” said Jim Noren, St. Paul District water manager. “We are trying to balance the needs of both upstream and downstream communities with a focus on doing so safely for everyone within the basin.”

Corps water managers urge caution around the area. Additional adjustments may be made based on future rain events.

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