Corps bumps up releases because of March runoff

The Army Corps of Engineers said it's started releasing more water from the Missouri River reservoirs because March runoff into the lakes was more than double the normal amount.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — The Army Corps of Engineers said it's started releasing more water from the Missouri River reservoirs because March runoff into the lakes was more than double the normal amount.

The increased discharges means the river level in the lower basin below the system of dams will be about 2 feet above normal.

The corps said the higher flows will result in cancelation of the spring pulse scheduled in May to benefit the endangered pallid sturgeon. It also cancelled the March pulse. The release of extra water below Gavins Point Dam at Yankton is meant to replicate a natural spring rise that prompts the fish to spawn.

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