The Bureau of Reclamation will begin winter water releases through the outlet works at Dickinson Dam during the week of January 17, 2023. Dickinson Dam forms E.A. Patterson Lake on the Heart River southwest of the city of Dickinson.

"The current reservoir elevation is 2419.20 feet, or about nine inches from spilling over the top of the gate," said Darrin Goetzfried, Manager of Facilities and Engineering for the Dakotas Area Office. "We plan to begin releasing five to ten cubic feet per second of water by mid-week and may gradually increase the discharge rate prior to spring runoff."

The planned releases will match inflow to the reservoir and help reduce the snow and ice buildup in the downstream river channel. Snow and ice buildup in the channel could increase the risk of ice jams during the spring. The releases are not expected to reduce the lake elevation but will impact ice conditions on the Heart River below Dickinson Dam. Individuals downstream are advised to be aware of the potential for changing ice conditions and for the possibility of water flowing on top of the ice.

For more information, please contact Mr. Tim Dodd, Civil Engineer at (701) 221-1298.

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