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Spring Thaws Are Already Filling Dams

Water levels on Shadehill Reservoir reached the point that it actually started pouring over the lip of the morning glory on Thursday, March 19th, and levels are expected to continue to rise

   For years now, the locals have watched the Shadehill Reservoir water levels drop as we have continued to suffer through the drought years. Not only has Shadehill been affected by the lack of moisture, but area creek and river beds were all but dried up.

   This year, the area has had outstanding snowfall, and the recent warm weather has much of that snow already melting and running off. Most all of the stock dams are filled to overflowing, creeks are above their banks, and many of the rural people are experiencing water running across the road to the point where many roads have been washed out.

   On Wednesday morning, March 18^th, it was quite unexpected to witness the levels rising on Shadehill Dam as well as Flat Creek and Grand River. At Shadehill, the water rose several feet, to the point that water was actually spilling over through the morning glory. About 2 hours later, the water began to run over the spillway on Flat Creek as well, and it has been years since it was last high enough to run over.

   Last spring at this time, the water levels were so low, the entire morning glory was exposed above dry ground. So, it is a welcomed sight to see such moisture returning to the countryside. There is considerable more snow left to melt off, so levels are expected to continue to rise.

   The Shadehill Reservoir level came up 7.2 feet within a 24 hour period, according to Jeffrey Nettleton, Bureau of Reclamation’s Chief of Facility Operations & Maintenance & Engineering Services for Dakotas Area office. “The peak inflow was at about 18,000 cubic feet per second around midnight on the 18^th,” reported Nettleton. Most current data registered the reservoir at 224% of storage, and that does not reflect the current inflow.

   Approximately 4,000 cubic feet per second is released through the glory hole into the Grand River from the dam. Other run off into Grand River is estimated at about 6,000 cubic feet per second, giving a combined flow into the Grand of about 10-12,000 cubic feet per second

   John Thiel, the Shadehill Dam tender, was on hand Thursday to keep an eye on things. John commented, “This is a little earlier than expected,” which was duplicated by Nettleton. Typically it is early April when the initial spring inflows are recorded.

   Nettleton also remarked, “We are keeping a close eye on this storm coming in as well. Whether it’s rain or snow, it sounds as though it could be significant, with another inch or two of moisture.”

   If you are interested in keeping track of the water levels, you may visit the Bureau of Reclamation’s website at www.usbr.gov/gp

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