Apr 22 Jmst/Pipe Dam Releases Continue Increase
Dikes Monitored - Weds Interagency Report from CSi KCSi-T.V.News
Jamestown, ND (KCSi-T.V. News April 22) -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers continues to ramp-up releases from Jamestown and Pipestem Dams. At Wednesday's (Apr 22nd) Interagency meeting at 2-p.m. Jamestown Dam was releasing 1,800 cfs, and Pipestem 1,000 cfs, with another 200 cfs increases expected late Wednesday afternoon and another 200 cfs increase Thursday morning, coupled with an increase of 200 cfs from Pipestem Thursday morning. (see separate link on release updates)...more story below video...
Mid day Wednesday the Jamestown elevation was 1,453 feet, one foot belwo the spillway.
With Pipestem not expected to spill, the Corps is attempting to release more water from Jamestown Dam. Additional levees have been constructed to accomodate the Jamestown Dam increases, which are now targeted for 2,200 cfs. The Corps expects the Jamestown Dam spillway will be topped late Saturday April 25th. With levee inspections, it may be another 3-3 days before what cfs release can be handled safely with the levees.
The National Guard reports 291 soldiers are in Jamestown with 24.7 dike patrols and other duties. There are 98 1-ton sandbags on standby in case of levee repairs, and more water pumps are on the way.
Sandbag operations have been suspended, pending any addtional need. Jim Weight says as of Wednesday afternoon, Jamestown had 160,000 filled sandbags in reserve.
City Engineer Reed Schwarzkopf said at 11-p.m. Tuesday a culvert plug loosened and allowed water to flow through in the area of the Nickeus Park bridge. Crews were dispatched and dropped sandbags and concrete to seal the plug. Other reports of leaks have been attended to at various locations. He says the city has received permission to pre-release discharges from the water treatment lagoon, allowing for more storage space from the high waste water inflows. Residents should continue to conserve water, and discharg sump pumps outdoors.
Police Chief Dave Donegan said another levee leak report at 1-a.m. Wednesday at the Northwest Loop found a sump pump discharging on the "dry side," of the levee, and no breach.
The Public Information Center is still operating 24/7 with flood related questions at 251-6241. Some calls concern the contingency evacuation map. Those without computer access may see the maps at Jamestown City Hall, or the Stutsman County Courthouse. Boating restrictions for Jamestown Reservoir will soon be in place. Fishing is allowed, but NOT near the spillway.
On line: Twitter as updated information is posted by call in center officials..at use EOCPIO to access the information.
Updates are available on line at Jamestown USA dot com under River Watch, and on CSi Cable Channels 10, 43, and 67. Back to Local Headlines
