Adjusted Flood Gates at 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 Friday 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.
The St. Paul District water manager said the goal is to bring the river back within its banks by the middle of July. The manager said they 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.
