Mo. River water levels at record lows
10:11 AM
Posted: Monday, August 07, 2006
OMAHA n Drought continues to tighten its grip on the Missouri River basin. Tributary contributions to the river in central Missouri have dropped to very low levels due to the lack of rain and much-above normal temperatures, according to a press release Monday from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
“Runoff throughout the basin has been extraordinarily low,” said Larry Cieslik, Chief of the Water Management office here. “Reservoir storage fell by 1.2 million acre feet in July. Tributary inflow into the river between Kansas City and the mouth north of St. Louis was near the lowest levels in more than 100 years. This low runoff condition means more water is required from the reservoirs to maintain the target flows.”
Because of low reservoir levels due to the drought, the main stem powerplants are expected to produce nearly 40 percent less hydropower this year. To make up for the lower generation in July, the Western Area Power Administration, which markets the power produced by the dams, had to purchase more than $2.7 million worth of electricity to meet its contract obligations to utilities throughout the upper Midwest.
With no relief in sight from the dry conditions, Oahe reservoir is expected to reach an historic low level about Aug. 11, surpassing the record set in August 2004. It is forecast to drop nearly two feet below the record elevation of 1572 feet, ending the month at 1570.6 feet.
River flows to support navigation will remain at minimum service levels throughout the rest of the 2006 season. The season length will be shortened by 44 days. It was shortened by 6 days in 2003, 47 days in 2004 and 48 days in 2005. Gavins Point releases during October and November will be reduced to levels that will provide significant water conservation while continuing to support downstream water intakes.
“Runoff throughout the basin has been extraordinarily low,” said Larry Cieslik, Chief of the Water Management office here. “Reservoir storage fell by 1.2 million acre feet in July. Tributary inflow into the river between Kansas City and the mouth north of St. Louis was near the lowest levels in more than 100 years. This low runoff condition means more water is required from the reservoirs to maintain the target flows.”
Because of low reservoir levels due to the drought, the main stem powerplants are expected to produce nearly 40 percent less hydropower this year. To make up for the lower generation in July, the Western Area Power Administration, which markets the power produced by the dams, had to purchase more than $2.7 million worth of electricity to meet its contract obligations to utilities throughout the upper Midwest.
With no relief in sight from the dry conditions, Oahe reservoir is expected to reach an historic low level about Aug. 11, surpassing the record set in August 2004. It is forecast to drop nearly two feet below the record elevation of 1572 feet, ending the month at 1570.6 feet.
River flows to support navigation will remain at minimum service levels throughout the rest of the 2006 season. The season length will be shortened by 44 days. It was shortened by 6 days in 2003, 47 days in 2004 and 48 days in 2005. Gavins Point releases during October and November will be reduced to levels that will provide significant water conservation while continuing to support downstream water intakes.
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