Corps of Engineers makes additional changes at Lac qui Parle Dam

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, is making additional water level changes at its Lac qui Parle Lake Dam, near Watson, Minnesota, due to ongoing rain within the basin.

Corps water managers used a crane yesterday, June 23, to remove bulkheads at the dam in an effort to further reduce the flood risk. The new outflow is expected to be around 6,000 - 8,000 cubic feet per second. The additional water releases are needed to minimize the risk of the reservoir from overtopping the emergency spillway, which happens at an elevation of 941.3 feet. The increased outflow of water into the Minnesota River means additional localized flooding is likely.

“Recent storms have increased flooding in western Minnesota,” said Jim Noren, St. Paul District water manager.  “We are managing the flood risk to avoid overtopping the emergency spillway and to bring the river back within normal conditions as soon as it is safe to do so. This requires balancing the needs of both upstream and downstream communities with a focus on safety 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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